Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the characteristics and changes over time of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) used by vapers in the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys. The study aims to understand how the availability and use of these products are impacted by varying regulations in different countries.
Key Points:
* The study uses data from 4734 adult current vapers in Australia, Canada, England, and the United States from Waves 1 (2016) and 2 (2018) of the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey.
* NVP characteristics included device description, adjustable voltage, nicotine content, and tank size.
* Longitudinal analyses assessed movement towards or away from more complex/modifiable NVPs.
* Most vapers continued using the same vaping device and features over 18 months.
* Differences in NVP types and features were observed between countries, suggesting that differing NVP regulations affect consumer choices regarding the type of vaping device to use.
* Certain NVPs and features differed by country, such as higher nicotine contents in the US (11.5% use 21+ mg/ml) and greater device stability over time in AU (90.8% stability).
* A logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with changes in device description from 2016–2018.
* Vapers who started with cigalike devices more often transitioned to larger, more complex/modifiable models that can deliver nicotine more efficiently.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of regulations in shaping consumer behavior and the availability and use of NVPs. Differences in NVP types and features between countries suggest that varying regulations affect consumer choices regarding the type of vaping device to use. The study also emphasizes the need for continued surveillance of NVPs in varying regulatory environments to assess how policies affect the NVP market and behavior of user groups.
Citation
Felicione NJ, Fix BV, McNeill A, et al. Characteristics and changes over time of nicotine vaping products used by vapers in the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys. Tobacco control. 2022;31:e66-e73. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056239
