Summary
Introduction:
This article summarizes a longitudinal study examining changes in e-cigarette flavor use patterns among long-term e-cigarette users. The study also assessed self-reported adverse reactions to e-cigarette flavors and evaluated users' anticipated reactions to potential U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDa) e-cigarette flavor regulatory scenarios.
Key Points:
* The study surveyed 383 adult participants who completed two online surveys in 2012-2014 and 2017-2019.
* Participants' age averaged 44.6 years, and 86% were exclusive e-cigarette users.
* E-cigarette flavor preference migration occurred in all demographic groups, with only 36-44% maintaining a preference for their original flavor.
* Preference for tobacco and menthol or mint decreased over time, while preference for fruit remained stable. however, preference for chocolate/candy or other sweets significantly increased.
* Nearly 50% of participants reported that they would find a way to buy their preferred flavor or add flavoring agents themselves if non-tobacco flavors were banned.
* Flavor-associated adverse reactions, mainly respiratory irritations, were reported by 6.9% of participants.
* The study suggests that long-term e-cigarette users may develop a dependence on certain flavors, which could impact their ability to quit or switch to less harmful tobacco products.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding e-cigarette flavor use patterns and their potential health impacts. The migration towards sweet flavors, especially in younger and exclusive e-cigarette users, suggests an element of e-cigarette-related dependence. The anticipated maintenance of access to flavors despite regulation also indicates a potential challenge in implementing FDa flavor regulations. This information could help clinicians understand the health impacts of e-cigarette flavors, develop appropriate strategies for smoking cessation, and inform the FDa to plan future regulation of e-cigarette flavors.
Citation
Du P, Bascom R, Fan T, et al. Changes in Flavor Preference in a Cohort of Long-Term Electronic Cigarette Users. annals of the american Thoracic Society. 2020;17(5):573-581. doi:10.1513/annalsaTS.201906-472OC
