Preferences for different features of ENDS products by tobacco product use: a latent class analysis.

Introduction:
This text discusses a study that aimed to understand the preferences of different groups of people who use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products, specifically in relation to various product features. The study's findings can inform regulations to reduce ENDS use among specific groups of people.

Key points:

* The study used a latent class analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of feature preferences among ENDS users and examined differences between groups by socio-demographics and tobacco product use.
* A total of 636 participants were included in the study, with 81% being White, a median age of 42, and 65% being current cigarette smokers.
* The LCA identified four classes of ENDS users: those with high nicotine dependence who preferred ENDS similar to combustible cigarettes, those with moderate tobacco use who were interested in low nicotine ENDS, those who use ENDS and combustible tobacco who preferred lower price and flavored ENDS products, and those who used ENDS predominantly without a strong preference for any of the features presented.
* The study found that tobacco use classes were associated with differences in preferences for ENDS features, with different groups valuing certain constellations of ENDS features more than others.
* The findings can guide policymakers as they create regulations for ENDS products, as understanding these differences in preferences may help to reduce ENDS use among specific populations.

Main message:
The study's findings highlight the importance of considering the preferences of different groups of ENDS users when developing regulations for these products. By understanding how preferences for different features of ENDS products differ by various groups of people who use ENDS, policymakers can create regulations that are tailored to the needs and desires of these groups, which may help to reduce ENDS use among specific populations.

Enyioha C, Boynton MH, Ranney LM, Byron MJ, Goldstein AO, Kistler CE. Preferences for different features of ENDS products by tobacco product use: a latent class analysis. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy. 2022;17(1):18. doi:10.1186/s13011-022-00448-4