Flavored Nontobacco Oral Nicotine Products on the Rise Among Adolescents

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics has highlighted the alarming trend of flavored nontobacco oral nicotine products being the second most widely used nicotine product type among adolescents. The research, conducted by Alyssa F. Harlow and her colleagues at the University of Southern California, surveyed 3,516 high school students between September and December 2021, revealing that 3.4 percent of ever-users and 1.7 percent of past-six-month users of nontobacco oral nicotine products were found among the participants. Notably, Hispanic, sexual minority, gender minority, and female participants showed increased use of any nontobacco oral nicotine product.

Key Takeaways:

  • Flavored nontobacco oral nicotine products are the second most widely used nicotine product type among adolescents, with 3.4 percent of ever-users and 1.7 percent of past-six-month users.
  • E-cigarettes had the highest prevalence of use, with 9.6 percent of ever-users and 5.5 percent of past-six-month users.
  • Hispanic, sexual minority, gender minority, and female participants showed increased use of any nontobacco oral nicotine product, with adjusted odds ratios of 2.58, 1.63, 2.83, and 1.92, respectively.
  • The study suggests that surveillance of non-tobacco oral nicotine product use among adolescents is crucial for national policies designed to protect pediatric populations and promote health equity.
  • The research was conducted by Alyssa F. Harlow, Ph.D., and her colleagues at the University of Southern California.
  • The study involved 3,516 high school students surveyed between September and December 2021.

Statistics:

  • 9.6 percent of high school students reported ever using e-cigarettes.
  • 5.5 percent of high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past six months.
  • 3.4 percent of high school students reported ever using nontobacco oral nicotine products.
  • 1.7 percent of high school students reported using nontobacco oral nicotine products in the past six months.
  • Hispanic participants had an adjusted odds ratio of 2.58 for increased use of any nontobacco oral nicotine product.
  • Sexual minority participants had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.63 for increased use of any nontobacco oral nicotine product.
  • Gender minority participants had an adjusted odds ratio of 2.83 for increased use of any nontobacco oral nicotine product.
  • Female participants had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.92 for increased use of any nontobacco oral nicotine product.

Sources:

  • Pediatrics. "Flavored nontobacco oral nicotine products are the second most widely used nicotine product type among adolescents, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in Pediatrics."
  • Alyssa F. Harlow, Ph.D., and colleagues. "Surveillance of non-tobacco oral nicotine product use among adolescents merits priority for national policies designed to protect pediatric populations and promote health equity."