Do Flavor Descriptions Influence Subjective Ratings of Flavored and Unflavored E-liquids Among Nonsmoking and Non-vaping UK Adolescents?
Nicotine Tob Res
; 26(9): 1141-1149, 2024 Aug 22.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38468465
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Youth use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is rising globally and is associated with health harms. Flavor descriptions on e-liquid packaging may contribute to the appeal of e-cigarettes among youth. This study compared subjective ratings of e-liquid packaging flavor descriptions among nonsmoking and non-vaping UK adolescents. AIMS ANDMETHODS:
This was an online observational study in a UK sample of nonsmoking and non-vaping adolescents aged 11-17 years. The primary analyses compared flavored versus unflavored descriptions and the secondary analyses compared sweet flavor versus fruit flavor descriptions. Outcomes were packaging appraisal, packaging receptivity, perceived harm, and perceived audience.RESULTS:
The survey was completed by 120 participants (74% female). Packaging appraisal ratings were higher for e-liquids with flavored descriptions than unflavored descriptions (mean difference 5.9, 95% CI 4.2 to 7.6, pâ <â .001). Similarly, packaging receptivity ratings were higher for e-liquids with flavored descriptions than unflavored descriptions (mean difference 4.2, 95% CI 2.8 to 5.6, pâ <â .001). Participants also perceived e-liquids with flavored (vs. unflavored) descriptions as less "grown-up" (mean difference -5.2, 95% CI -7.3 to -3.1, pâ <â .001). However, ratings of perceived harm were similar for flavored and unflavored descriptions (mean difference -1.0, 95% CI -2.6 to .5, pâ =â .189).CONCLUSIONS:
Although this study found differences in subjective ratings of e-liquids with flavored and unflavored descriptions, nonsmoking and non-vaping UK adolescents generally had low appraisal and receptivity for e-liquids and they perceived them as being "grown-up" and harmful. IMPLICATIONS Youth use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is increasing globally, leading to concerns about health harms. This study compared adolescents' ratings of e-liquids with flavored versus unflavored descriptions and e-liquids with sweet flavor versus fruit flavor descriptions. This study adds to previous studies that have compared adolescents' ratings of e-liquids with tobacco flavor versus non-tobacco flavor descriptions. Although packaging appraisal and receptivity ratings were higher (more positive) for e-liquids with flavored versus unflavored descriptions, overall, adolescents who do not smoke or vape had low appraisal and receptivity for e-liquids, and they perceived them as being "grown-up" and harmful.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Aromatizantes
/
Sistemas Electrónicos de Liberación de Nicotina
/
Vapeo
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nicotine Tob Res
Asunto de la revista:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido