First E-Cigarette Flavor and Device Type Used: Associations With Vaping Persistence, Frequency, and Dependence in Young Adults. Issue 3 (30th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sargent, James D; Stoolmiller, Mike; Dai, Hongying; Barrington-Trimis, Jessica L; McConnell, Rob; Audrain-McGovern, Janet; Leventhal, Adam M
• Is Part Of: Nicotine & tobacco research. Volume 24:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 380
• Page End: 387
• Publication Date: 2021-08-30
• Subjects: Nicotine -- Periodicals; Tobacco -- Research -- Periodicals; Tobacco habit -- Periodicals; Nicotine -- Periodicals; Tobacco -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; 613.85
• DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-2203

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Type of e-cigarette flavoring and device during first use might differentiate later e-cigarette use and dependence. This retrospective cross-sectional study examined associations of recalled first nicotine vaping device and flavor used with current vaping frequency/dependence. Aims and Methods: A young adult cohort from Los Angeles, California, USA completed web-based surveys (N = 2553). Using cross-sectional data from 971 reporting ever vaping nicotine, multivariable hurdle regressions tested associations between recalled first flavor (fruit/sweet, menthol/mint, other) and device (Juul, disposable, mod, box, pod, pen, other) vaped with past-30-day vaping status (yes/no) and frequency (1–30 days), and with any vaping dependence symptoms (yes/no) and count (1–10 symptoms). Results: The most common first-flavor was sweet (71%); the most common first-device was a vape pen (37%), then Juul (22%). First-flavor of mint/menthol (vs. other; adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.22[95% CI = 1.16 to 4.25]), and first-device mod (AOR = 2.40[95% CI = 1.34 to 4.31]) and non-Juul pod (2.64[95% CI = 1.41 to 4.92]) (vs. pen) were associated with past-30-day vaping, and twice as many vaping days (adjusted rate ratios [ARRs] range: 1.96–2.12; p s < .05). First flavor of mint/menthol (vs. other; AOR: 1.95[95% CI = 1.003 to 3.79) and first device mod, box, non-Juul pod, and other (AORs range: 2.36–4.01; p s < .05) were associated with nicotine dependence. First device Juul, mod, box, and non-Juul pod were also associated with more dependence symptoms (ARRs range:1.38–1.59; p s < .05). Conclusions: Exposure to mint/menthol and certain devices (mod, box, Juul, and non-Juul pods) at first e-cigarette use may be associated with more frequent e-cigarette use and nicotine dependence symptoms in young adulthood. Mint/menthol and certain devices warrant consideration in regulation of e-cigarettes based on product characteristics. Implications: Characteristics (flavor and device type) of first e-cigarette product used were associated with higher usage and more dependence. Pending replication with prospective designs, the findings suggest certain flavors (mint/menthol) and devices (pods, mods) merit consideration in regulation because of their possible link with continued use and dependence among young people.