The impact of flavored ENDS use among adolescents on daily use occasions and number of puffs, and next day intentions and willingness to vape. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abadi, Melissa H.; Lipperman-Kreda, Sharon; Shamblen, Stephen R.; Thompson, Kirsten; Grube, Joel W.; Leventhal, Adam M.; Luseno, Winnie; Aramburu, Camila
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 114(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Adolescents -- E-cigarettes -- ENDS -- Nicotine -- Flavors -- Ecological momentary assessment; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106773
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Highlights: This is one of the first EMA studies on measuring ENDS use among adolescents. Vaping tobacco flavors increases same day number of use occasions and total puffs. Vaping fruit flavors increases same day total number of puffs. Flavor appeal increases same day use occasions, number of puffs, and intentions. Results support regulatory efforts to restrict the sale of flavored ENDS products. Abstract: Background: The FDA's policies restricting sale of sweet flavored cartridge-based and disposable electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) comprise important steps toward curbing adolescent ENDS use. However, additional evidence is needed about the contribution of specific flavors to adolescents' ENDS use. This study investigated the effects of flavor use on same day vaping behaviors, and next day intentions and willingness. Methods: We collected ecological momentary assessments (EMA) from 50 adolescent past two-week vapers (ages 14–17) over 14 days. Daily EMA data were collected on vaping occasions, total puffs, vaping intentions, vaping willingness, and flavor used. Results: On average, data were obtained on 13.4 days per participant (670 observations). Participants vaped flavors on 87% of days (fruit = 55%; mint = 30%; tobacco = 6%; menthol = 5%, and candy, sweets, or chocolate = 5%). On days when participants vaped fruit flavors, they took more puffs (r = 0.13, p = .030). On days when they vaped tobacco flavor, they reported more vaping occasions (r = 0.20, p = .005) and more puffs (r = 0.15, p = .033). On days when they vaped because of flavor appeal, they reported more vaping occasions (r = 0.19, p = .001) and more puffs (r = 0.24, p < .001). On days when they vaped menthol flavor, they were less likely to report willingness to vape the next day (r = -0.14, p = .042). Adolescents who reported vaping due to flavor appeal were more likely to report intentions (OR = 5.63, p = .035) and willingness to vape the next day (r = 0.23, p < .001) Conclusion: These findings provide additional support for policies restricting the sale of flavored ENDS products to adolescents.