Flavored Tobacco User Characteristics in U.S. young Adults

Wave 5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study

Bibliographic Data

ID21645678
AuthorsHyejin Park (0000-0001-9695-8456, Department of Health Behavior, Texas A & M University School of Public Health, College Station, Texas, USA), Dong-Chul Seo (0000-0002-1972-6237, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume60
Issue1
Pages148-154
Publication date2025-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2024.2409724
PMID39344153
OpenAlexW4403002383
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited44

Introduction: Flavorings are one of the major appealing factors of current tobacco products, especially for young adults. They constantly evolve, and new flavorings are introduced to the market every year, but little is known about user profiles of flavored tobacco products (FTPs). Methods: We analyzed young adult (ages 18–24) tobacco product users (N = 4,707) from Wave 5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. We applied bivariate analyses to compare individuals who use FTP and non-FTPs by different flavor types (i.e., menthol/mint, fruit, candy/sweets, and tobacco). Parameter estimates were weighted by applying the sample and replicate weights for the complex study design to produce population-representative estimates. Results: Sixty percent of the current combustible tobacco users and 90% of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) users were FTP users. FTP users were more likely to be multiple product users than non-FTP users. Being non-Hispanic White, drinking alcohol in the past year, experiencing internalizing problems in the past month, and having tobacco dependence were associated with FTP use. Flavored ENDS users had different sociodemographic characteristics by flavor types but did not differ significantly in vaping-related behaviors (e.g., frequency). Also, preferred flavors differed among tobacco user groups (i.e., ENDS, hookah, and cigars). Conclusions: FTPs appear to be gaining popularity among young adults and tend to show co-use with multiple tobacco products and other substances. Future studies are warranted to monitor the risk factors of young adult FTP use, especially in the context of flavor ban on ENDS products

Environmental health · Population · Tobacco use · Medicine · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Smoking Behavior and Cessation

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