Nicotine Pouch Use in Adolescence Linked to Lower Likelihood of Continued Vaping

Nicotine pouch use in adolescence may be a factor that helps reduce the likelihood of continued vaping, according to a study published in Pediatrics. Researchers analyzed data from a prospective cohort of Southern California adolescents from 2021 to 2024, examining the association between oral nicotine product use and vaping behaviors. The study found that the likelihood of subsequent vaping persistence was lower in association with past six-month use of nicotine pouches, with a significant inverse association also observed for past 30-day vaping frequency.

Key Takeaways:

• The study analyzed data from a prospective cohort of 703 adolescents aged 16 years, with 277 observations of past six-month oral nicotine product use.
• The likelihood of subsequent vaping persistence was lower in association with past six-month use of any oral nicotine product, nicotine pouches, and other oral nicotine products (risk ratios, 0.75, 0.43, and 0.72, respectively).
• An inverse association was seen for use of nicotine pouches with past 30-day vaping frequency at follow-up (incidence rate ratio, 0.43).
• The study's findings suggest that nicotine pouch use may not contribute to increased vaping, but could potentially serve as a substitute or complement to concurrent tobacco use behaviors.

Statistics:

• 23.7% of participants reported any past six-month oral nicotine product use.
• 277 observations of any past six-month oral nicotine product use were made across a total of 1,173 observations.
• The risk ratios for subsequent vaping persistence were:

+ 0.75 for any oral nicotine product use

+ 0.43 for nicotine pouch use

+ 0.72 for other oral nicotine product use

• The incidence rate ratio for use of nicotine pouches with past 30-day vaping frequency was 0.43.

Sources:

• "Nicotine Pouch Use in Adolescence Associated with Lower Likelihood of Continued Vaping," Pediatrics, May 19, 2025, vol. 135, no. 4.