Evaluating the Role of Nicotine Stereoisomer on Nicotine Pouch Abuse Liability: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Many oral nicotine pouch (ONP) brands use synthetic nicotine, which typically contains a racemic (50:50) mixture of nicotine's two stereoisomers: S-nicotine and R-nicotine. Because tobacco-derived nicotine contains more than 99% S-nicotine, the effects of R-nicotine in humans are not well known. We compared systemic nicotine exposure and product appeal of ONPs containing more than 99% S-nicotine versus racemic nicotine. AIMS AND METHODS: N = 18 adult smokers (Mage = 45 years, 66.7% male, 77.8% White) enrolled in a three-visit single-blind, randomized crossover study. During each visit, participants used one wintergreen-flavored, 3 mg nicotine ONP for 30 min following at least12 h nicotine abstinence. Study ONP #1 contained more than 99% S-nicotine and the other two study ONPs contained racemic nicotine (collapsed for analyses). Plasma nicotine assessments and measures of withdrawal relief occurred at t = 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min; measures of product appeal were assessed following ONP use. RESULTS: Using the ONP with more than 99% S-nicotine resulted in greater plasma nicotine concentration from 15 to 90 min (p < .0001) and greater maximum plasma nicotine concentration than the ONPs with racemic nicotine (M = 9.9 ng/mL [SD = 2.5] vs. M = 5.7 ng/mL [SD = 2.8], respectively; p < .0001). Product liking and withdrawal relief were similar across ONPs, although participants reported more "bad effects" when using the ONP with more than 99% S-nicotine. CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported few subjective differences in ONPs according to nicotine stereoisomer, but plasma nicotine concentration was greater for ONPs using more than 99% S-nicotine. ONPs with more than 99% S-nicotine (vs. racemic nicotine) might be better substitutes for cigarettes, but research into other ONP characteristics (eg flavors, freebase nicotine) is needed to inform regulation. IMPLICATIONS: Little is known about the effects of racemic (vs. S-) nicotine in humans. In a sample of adults who smoke cigarettes, we identified that oral nicotine pouches containing racemic nicotine exposed participants to less nicotine than oral nicotine pouches containing only S-nicotine, but both types of oral nicotine pouches held similar, moderate appeal. Additional research evaluating the roles that flavorings, total nicotine concentration, and freebase nicotine play in the abuse liability of oral nicotine pouches would inform comprehensive product regulations to support public health.

Estimating Prevalence of Premium or Traditional Cigar Use and User Characteristics Based on Varying Definitions of Use.

BACKGROUND: Premium cigar use is infrequent compared with the use of other tobacco products, including other cigar types (eg, cigarillos), though current measurement methods for premium cigar use have limitations. Accordingly, prevalence estimates from existing surveillance studies likely underestimate the true prevalence of premium cigar use. AIMS AND METHODS: Using an online convenience sample of adults (ages 18-45 years) surveyed in February 2022, we examined premium or traditional cigar prevalence and characterized users based on four definitions of use: (1) past-year use, (2) past 30-day use, (3) use every day or some days, and (4) use every day, some days, or rarely, using a novel, one-item measure. We examined demographics, cigar use behaviors, and other tobacco product use for each definition and conducted sensitivity analyses using cigar brands. RESULTS: Prevalence estimates ranged from 1.8% using Definition 3 to 11.6% using Definition 1. Regardless of definition, premium or traditional cigar users were largely male, white, and aged 25-45 years. A large proportion of users based on Definition 3 were aged 25-34 years, had a regular premium cigar brand, smoked cigars on more than one day in the past month, used cannabis in the past month, and reported perceiving premium cigars as less harmful compared with cigarettes. DISCUSSION: Prevalence estimates of premium or traditional cigar use varied by more than fivefold based on the definition of use and user characteristics varied by definition. Existing national surveys are likely underestimating the prevalence and patterns of premium cigar use. IMPLICATIONS: Given that the negative health effects of premium cigars vary based on how the cigars are used (eg, frequency or duration), as well as co-use with other tobacco products and substances (eg, alcohol and cannabis), accurate measurement of these products is important for understanding patterns of use and their impact on public health.

Effects of IQOS health warnings and modified risk claims among young adult cigarette smokers and non-smokers.

INTRODUCTION: Heated tobacco products, including Marlboro IQOS, are available globally. In the USA, IQOS was authorised to be advertised with claims about reduced toxicant exposure relative to cigarettes. The effects of such modified risk claims and health warnings have not been studied among young adult cigarette smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: In 2020, US young adult (18-30 years, n=1328) cigarette smokers and non-smokers viewed an IQOS ad in a 4 (modified risk claim variations or none) by 3 (warning variations or none) between-subjects experiment. Outcome measures assessed perceived credibility and effectiveness of the health or risk message for discouraging IQOS use, perceived harms, efficacy beliefs, and IQOS use intentions. RESULTS: Smokers reported significantly higher (p<0.05) perceived credibility, lower perceived effectiveness, higher efficacy beliefs about switching to IQOS and higher intentions to use IQOS than non-smokers. Among smokers, health warnings increased perceived credibility (p<0.001) and effectiveness (p<0.05), but claims did not affect outcomes examined. Among non-smokers, warnings and claims increased perceived credibility, and warnings increased perceived effectiveness (p<0.003). The reduced exposure claim increased non-smokers' intentions to use IQOS (b=0.40, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Among young adult smokers, health warnings increased perceived effectiveness at discouraging IQOS use and perceived credibility. Among non-smokers, warnings and claims increased perceived credibility and warnings increased perceived effectiveness, but the Food and Drug Administration-authorised reduced exposure claim increased intentions to use IQOS. Research is warranted to understand how the content of modified risk claims and health warnings for IQOS affects IQOS use in this population.

Effect of nicotine corrective messaging on nicotine-related beliefs in US adults: a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Widespread misperceptions of the health risks of nicotine could undermine the public health benefits of the Food and Drug Administration's actions, including modified risk tobacco product authorisations and a reduced nicotine product standard for cigarettes. METHODS: 794 US adults (aged 18+) in NORC's AmeriSpeak panel participated in a randomised controlled trial in Spring 2021 to test the effect of three exposures to eight nicotine corrective messages (NCM) on beliefs about nicotine, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), e-cigarettes and reduced nicotine content (RNC) cigarettes at 3-month follow-up. Analyses conducted in 2022 examined the effect of study condition (NCM (n=393) vs no message control (n=401)) on nicotine beliefs, use intentions and use of nicotine and tobacco products. RESULTS: Exposure to three NCM doses reduced nicotine (b=-0.33; 95% CI -0.60, -0.07), NRT (b=-0.49; 95% CI -0.85, -0.14), e-cigarette (b=-0.32; 95% CI -0.59, -0.05) and RNC cigarette false beliefs (b=-0.64; 95% CI -1.26, -0.02) compared with the control, controlling for baseline beliefs. Baseline tobacco use and concern about nicotine addiction attenuated intervention effects on false beliefs about RNC cigarettes. There were few intervention effects on intention or use of nicotine and tobacco products. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated exposure to NCM was necessary to reduce false beliefs about nicotine and tobacco products. Future studies will improve understanding of the dose and duration of nicotine education needed to shift intentions and behaviour, as well as tailored content for tobacco product users to achieve similar reductions in false beliefs as non-users. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04805515.

Exploring motivation to quit and risk appraisals of hookah tobacco smoking for self and partner among a member of single and dual smoker couples.

Negative health effects of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) are likely more pronounced in dual rather than single smoker couples. Data on how smokers' perceived harms for self and partner differ between couple types and how these perceptions are associated with motivation to quit are needed. We examined these associations by surveying one member of dual smoker (i.e., both partners smoke) and single smoker (i.e., one partner smokes) couples who engages in WTS. We enrolled online adults ages 18-32 who engaged in WTS during the last month and were in a committed relationship of at least six months. Participants rated their harm to self and, when relevant, to partner, how much they were harming their partner due to their WTS, and partner's smoke exposure. Participants reported their motivation to quit. Of the 323 participants, 215 (67%) were in dual smoker couples. Participants in dual smoker couples reported lower own perceived risk, which correlated highly with perceived partner risk, than participants in single smoker couples; they also reported harming their partners more even though they downplayed how frequency of smoke exposure was harming the partner. Motivation to quit did not differ by couple type. Across couple types, motivation to quit increased with greater perceived harms. Smokers in dual compared to single smoker couples downplay their risks and perceived harms their smoking causes their partner. Interventions focused on harms to self and partner may be effective to increase motivation to quit and cessation in both couple types.

Correlates of motivation to quit waterpipe tobacco smoking among US young adults: implications for cessation interventions.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking is a public health concern that poses many of the same health risks as cigarette smoking, especially among young adults-a subpopulation characterized by the highest prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking. Nevertheless, it remains understudied relative to other forms of tobacco use. We examined sociodemographic, behavioral and cognitive factors associated with young adults' motivation to quit waterpipe smoking using a theory-informed approach. We completed a secondary analysis of baseline data on waterpipe tobacco smoking beliefs and behavior collected from 349 US young adults aged 18-30 years. We analyzed sociodemographics, tobacco use and cessation behaviors and perceptions, and theory-related constructs associated with motivation to quit waterpipe tobacco smoking using linear regression. Overall, participants reported low motivation (mean = 2.68, SD = 1.56, scale range 1-7) and high self-efficacy (mean = 5.12, SD = 1.79) to quit waterpipe tobacco smoking. In multivariable analysis, prior quit attempts (ß = 1.10, P < 0.01), greater perceived risks of waterpipe tobacco smoking (ß = 0.42, P < 0.01) and increasingly negative attitudes toward waterpipe tobacco smoking (ß = 0.29, P < 0.01) were associated with higher motivation to quit. These findings highlight the importance of those factors as potential cessation determinants. These findings can help guide the development and refinement of interventions targeting young adult waterpipe tobacco smoking.

Effects of "Tobacco Free" Language in Warning Labels on Perceptions of Electronic Cigarettes and Nicotine Pouches among Young Adult Men: A Randomized Trial.

Background: Manufacturers of Puff Bar electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and Fre nicotine pouches claim that their products contain synthetic nicotine. The packages for Puff Bar and Fre have modified versions of the warning labels required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tobacco products, which specify that Puff Bar and Fre products contain "tobacco free" or "non-tobacco" nicotine, respectively. We evaluated whether exposure to these "tobacco free" warning labels was associated with differing perceptions about the products. Method: N = 239 young adult men who were enrolled in a cohort study completed a short online experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to view either packages of Puff Bar and Fre nicotine pouches with the standard FDA warning or packages with the standard FDA warning + the tobacco free descriptor. We compared harm and addictiveness perceptions and products' perceived substitutability for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (SLT) by exposure to a "tobacco free" warning. Results: Viewing a Puff Bar package with a "tobacco free" warning label was associated with increased perceived substitutability of the product for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (p's<.05). Viewing a Fre package with a "non-tobacco" warning label was associated with thinking the product was less harmful than SLT (p<.01). Conclusions: "Tobacco free" descriptors in warning labels for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches affect young adults' perceptions of the products. To date, it is unclear whether the FDA will continue to permit "tobacco free" descriptors in warning labels. As e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are increasingly marketed with "tobacco free" language, urgent action is needed.

Mediational Effects on Motivation to Quit Smoking After Exposure to a Cigarette Pictorial Warning Label Among Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Young adults are vulnerable to cigarette package marketing. Pictorial warning labels are recommended for tobacco control. Research should address questions raised in legal challenges including causal mechanisms. Evidence is mixed and understudied among young adults (e.g., discrete emotions and risk perceptions). PURPOSE: This study investigated mediators of pictorial warning label effects on motivation to quit smoking among young adult smokers. METHODS: This study analyzed data from a randomized trial with a 4 week exposure to a cigarette pictorial warning among young adult smokers (N = 229) aged 18-30 with assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months. Mediation analyses used latent change scores to test the effects post-intervention on fear, anger, and risk perceptions. We also examined whether post-intervention measures predicted change in motivation to quit smoking at 3 months. The first model assessed aggregate risk perceptions and the second model assessed discrete risk perceptions (deliberative, affective). RESULTS: Pictorial warning label exposure led to increases in fear which led to increased motivation to quit smoking for the first (B = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.26) and second (B = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.25) model. Exposure modestly increased motivation to quit by way of fear and affective risk perceptions (B = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.04). Exposure had a direct relationship on increased motivation to quit as well. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate factors contributing to change in motivation to quit smoking among young adult smokers after pictorial warning label exposure. Affective processes are mediators of pictorial warning label effects.

Tailored text message and web intervention for smoking cessation in U.S. socioeconomically-disadvantaged young adults: A randomized controlled trial.

The prevalence of cigarette smoking in young adults is higher among those with socioeconomic disadvantage than those without. Low treatment-seeking among young adult smokers is compounded by few efficacious smoking cessation interventions for this group, particularly socioeconomically-disadvantaged young adults (SDYA) who smoke cigarettes. The goal of this study was to test a tailored smoking-cessation intervention for SDYA. 343 SDYA aged 18-30 living in the U.S. (85% female) who smoke cigarettes with access to a smartphone and interest in quitting smoking in the next six months were recruited online in Spring 2020 and randomized to referral to online quit resources (usual care control; n = 171) or a 12-week tailored text message smoking-cessation program with a companion web-based intervention (n = 172). Intent to treat analyses examined associations between study condition, self-reported 30-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA), and confidence to quit smoking at 12 weeks, controlling for potential confounders. Intervention group participants had greater self-reported 30-day PPA at 12-weeks than controls (adjusted relative risk 3.93, 95% CI 2.14-7.24). Among those who continued smoking, the intervention increased confidence to quit (0.81 points, 95% confidence interval 0.08-1.53). Weekly engagement in the intervention predicted greater cessation. A tailored text message intervention for SDYA increased smoking abstinence and confidence to quit at the end-of-treatment. Findings may have been influenced by recruitment at the start of the COVID pandemic but suggest that text messaging is an acceptable and efficacious cessation strategy for SDYA smokers. Future studies should examine the impact on longer-term smoking-cessation and importance of intervention tailoring for SDYA.

Longitudinal associations between U.S. youth exposure to E-cigarette marketing and E-cigarette use harm perception and behavior change.

E-cigarette marketing tactics to reach and appeal to youth are rapidly changing. This study examined to what extent youth e-cigarette marketing exposure was associated with e-cigarette use behavior change one year later, during a time when youth e-cigarette use was starting to surge in the U.S. Using nationally representative longitudinal public-use data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, we examined associations between recalled e-cigarette marketing exposure (2016-2018) at Wave (W) 4 and e-cigarette use harm perception and behavior change (ever, current, and regular use) one year later (W4.5; 2017-2018) among W4 never tobacco users (n = 9405). Recall of exposure to e-cigarette marketing through different channels was also examined in multivariable models controlling for socio-demographic factors and established e-cigarette use risk factors. Results show that the most frequently recalled channels of e-cigarette marketing exposure were retail stores (50.3%), television (22.2%), and websites/social media (20.2%). Over one year, 21.2%, 7.8%, 3.4%, and 1.2% of respondents reported reduced harm perceptions, and ever, current, and regular use of e-cigarettes, respectively, at follow-up. Recalled exposure to e-cigarette marketing was associated with reduced e-cigarette harm perception (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.05-1.37) and ever (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.01-1.56) and current use (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.02-1.92) at follow-up. E-cigarette marketing exposure through websites/social media was associated with reduced harm perceptions and all stages of e-cigarette use change, including regular use. Identifying marketing techniques and channels that change youth e-cigarette harm perceptions and influence e-cigarette use progression is essential to inform e-cigarette regulatory policies and prevention campaigns.

Influencing Perceptions of Harm of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Among One Member of Couples Who Use Waterpipe.

INTRODUCTION: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) often occurs socially, increasing health risks for the smoker and others through secondhand smoke effects. While messages on WTS harms enhance perceived risks for self, whether these messages elevate perceived risks for others, such as one's romantic partner who engages in WTS, is unclear. We tested this idea by surveying one member of dual-smoking couples who engages in WTS. AIMS AND METHODS: As part of an online study, we enrolled adults ages 18-30 who engaged in WTS and were in a committed relationship of at least 6 months whose partner engaged in WTS. Participants were randomized to a control arm or to one of two arms consisting of watching a brief video on health harms or overcoming myths about WTS, respectively. Outcomes were perceived harms and measures of desire and probability of quitting for self and partner. RESULTS: Participants (N = 238) who watched either video, compared with participants who did not watch a video, reported greater perceived health risks for self and partner and that their own WTS harmed their partner. Participants who watched either video reported a greater desire to quit for themselves, perceived that their partner had a greater desire to quit, and reported a higher likelihood of quitting together in the next 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Brief videos containing risk-based messaging increase young adult waterpipe tobacco smokers' perceived harms and desire to quit for self and partner. This can be a useful strategy to motivate cessation in couples who engage in WTS. IMPLICATIONS: This study shows for the first time that at least among one member of dual-smoking couples who engages in WTS, brief videos on harms of WTS influences perceived harms and motivation to quit for the self and one's partner. This can be a useful strategy to promote cessation.

Shedding 'light' on cigarette pack design: colour differences in product perceptions, use and exposure following the US descriptor ban.

INTRODUCTION: Many countries removed misleading descriptors (eg, 'light,' 'mild') from cigarette packaging because they falsely conveyed messages of reduced risk. It is unclear if relabelled products currently promote misperceptions or differences in product use and toxicant exposure. We compared product perceptions, use and exposure between a US sample of Marlboro Gold (formerly 'light') and Red smokers. METHODS: 240 non-treatment-seeking adult daily Marlboro smokers (70% male, 71% White, mean cigarettes/day=16.4 (SD=8.3)) completed two laboratory sessions over a 5-day period. During sessions, participants smoked two cigarettes through a topography device to capture their puffing behaviour, provided precigarette and postcigarette carbon monoxide (CO) assessments, and completed risk perception and subjective rating questionnaires. Self-reported cigarettes per day were verified via daily filter collection; urine collected at the end of the period was assayed for nicotine metabolites. RESULTS: Gold (n=49) smokers were more likely than Red (n=191) to incorrectly believe their cigarettes had less nicotine and tar than regular cigarettes (ps<0.001), and rated them as weaker, less harsh, and mild tasting (ps<0.05). Differences between Red and Gold smokers in cigarettes per day and puffing behaviours trended towards significance (ps<0.1). Notably, there were no group differences on CO boost or total nicotine equivalents (ps>0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Misperceptions about nicotine and tar exist years after rebranding Marlboro Lights as Marlboro Gold. Biological results support that Gold smokers do not have lower toxicant exposure. The US should consider comprehensive packaging or product design regulations to properly inform smokers of product risks.Trial registeration number NCT02301351.

Tobacco minimum packaging policy to reduce cigarillo use among young people: results of an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The Food and Drug Administration has the authority to set a minimum for cigar pack size, a product feature linked to price. This study examined the effects of cigarillo package size and price on young adults' smoking and purchase intentions. DESIGN: Young adults (n=1032) 18-30 years old who smoked cigarillos in the past 12 months completed an online 3×2 within-subjects experiment testing the effects of cigarillo pack size (1, 2, 5) and price (actual price, standardised price per stick) on intentions to purchase and smoke cigarillos. We modelled the main effects and interactions of pack size and price on intentions to buy and smoke cigarillos overall and by cigarillo use frequency. RESULTS: Intentions to buy and smoke were strongest for lower priced singles and two packs compared with higher priced five packs. Under standardised price conditions, participants preferred larger packs, but under actual pricing conditions smaller packs, especially two packs, were preferred. Participants who smoked cigarillos less than monthly were more likely to buy and smoke the least expensive products (buy: singles actual price adjusted OR (aOR)=4.51, 95% CI 3.76 to 5.42; two packs actual price aOR=9.76, 95% CI 8.11 to 11.75; five packs standardised price aOR=3.17, 95% CI 2.89 to 3.48) with the strongest preference for two packs and singles. CONCLUSIONS: Young adult cigarillo smokers prefer smaller packs in conditions where pricing incentivises smaller packs. Minimum pack size policies may reduce the appeal of cigarillos among young adults, especially less frequent cigarillo smokers. Pack size policy should take into consideration price, and ideally these two factors should be addressed together.

Effects of mental simulation of future waterpipe tobacco smoking on attitudes, perceived harms and intended use among young adults.

The desire to engage in waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) may occur when smokers and nonsmokers conjure positive mental simulations of WTS. However, effects of these simulations on desire to smoke waterpipe tobacco and potential mediators are unexplored. This research addressed these effects among young adult waterpipe tobacco smokers and nonsmokers. Two online studies were conducted with adults ages 18-30. In Study 1, 200 smokers, 190 susceptible nonsmokers, and 182 nonsusceptible nonsmokers were randomized to mentally simulate or not WTS in the future. In Study 2, 234 smokers and 241 susceptible nonsmokers were randomized to four arms: no simulation or simulations that varied valence of experience (positive, negative or no valence provided). Main outcomes were immediate desire to smoke waterpipe tobacco, cognitive and affective attitudes, and perceived harms. In Study 1, mental simulations increased the desire to smoke waterpipe tobacco among smokers. In Study 2, asking participants to simulate WTS positively or with no valence instruction increased desire to smoke relative to negative valence instruction or no simulation. Negative simulations reduced perceived probability of smoking within a month compared to positive simulations. Effects on desire to engage in WTS were mediated by cognitive and affective attitudes among susceptible nonsmokers and by cognitive attitudes among smokers. These findings suggest that exploring when and how often mental simulations about WTS are evoked and their potency for promoting prevention and cessation of WTS merit further attention.

Longitudinal effects of cigarette pictorial warning labels among young adults.

Young adults are influenced by cigarette package marketing. Pictorial warning labels are a recommended intervention. Evidence demonstrates pictorial warnings impact negative emotion, risk perceptions, and motivation to quit smoking, but there is limited research on their effects over time. This study analyzes data from a randomized trial of young adult smokers (N = 229) exposed to a pictorial or text-only cigarette warning. We assessed changes in fear, anger, risk perceptions, and motivation to quit smoking after 4 weeks using latent change score modeling and over 3 months using latent growth modeling. Latent change results showed exposure was associated with increases in fear, anger, and motivation to quit after 4 weeks. Latent growth showed exposure was associated with increases in motivation to quit smoking over 3 months, but not other outcomes. Findings suggest pictorial warning labels produce an emotional response and increase motivation to quit among young adult smokers.

Tailored Mobile Messaging Intervention for Waterpipe Tobacco Cessation in Young Adults: A Randomized Trial.

Objectives. To test a tailored mobile health (i.e., mHealth) intervention for waterpipe tobacco cessation in young adults. Methods. From 2018 to 2020 at 2 US sites, we conducted a randomized trial with 349 waterpipe tobacco smokers aged 18 to 30 years randomized to control (no intervention), untailored, or tailored intervention arms. Intervention arms received a 6-week mHealth intervention conveying risks of waterpipe tobacco through text and images and strategies to enhance motivation and support quitting. The tailored intervention was personalized to baseline measures and intervention text message responses. Risk appraisals, motivation to quit, waterpipe smoking frequency, and cessation were assessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Results. At 6 months, cessation was higher in the tailored (49%) than the control arm (29%; odds ratio = 2.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.3, 4.2) and smoking frequency was lower in the tailored (mean = 3.5 days) than the control arm (mean = 4.3 days; P = .006). At interim follow-ups, significant differences in other outcomes favored the tailored intervention. Conclusions. Tailored mobile messaging can help young adult waterpipe tobacco smokers quit. This scalable intervention is poised for population implementation.

Associations Among Sleep and Cancer Risk Behaviors: a Scoping Review of Experimental Studies in Healthy Adult Populations.

BACKGROUND: Links among poor sleep and cancer risk behaviors have been largely overlooked in the context of cancer prevention and behavioral medicine. The goal of this scoping review was to determine the extent and nature of experimental studies conducted with healthy adult populations that tested the associations among poor sleep and cancer risk behaviors. METHOD: Electronic databases and major sleep journals were searched to identify experimental studies in healthy adult samples published through January 2018. Studies examined associations among eight pairings of manipulated behaviors and outcomes ("independent variable (IV)-outcome pairs"): the impact of sleep manipulations on physical activity (PA), diet, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use outcomes; and the impact of PA, diet, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use manipulations on sleep outcomes. Studies were characterized in terms of sample characteristics; study design; IV type, dose, and duration; and outcome measurement and duration. RESULTS: Abstracts of 5697 papers and 345 full texts were screened. Eighty-eight studies describing 125 comparisons met inclusion criteria. Only two studies tested the association between tobacco use and sleep; none tested whether sleep influenced alcohol consumption. Sample sizes were typically small, most studies used crossover designs, and studies tended to include younger and more male participants. Within each IV-outcome pair, there was substantial heterogeneity in how behaviors were manipulated, outcome measurement, and type of control group. Few studies assessed mechanisms. CONCLUSION: There is a need for larger experimental studies with more representative samples. Overall, heterogeneity and limitations in study designs make it difficult to synthesize evidence across studies.

Genetic Associations with Indoor Tanning Addiction among non-Hispanic White Young Adult Women.

BACKGROUND: Some young people may become addicted to indoor tanning in a manner similar to other forms of addiction, but research on genetic associations with indoor tanning addiction remains limited. PURPOSE: To examine if liabilities in genetic addiction reward pathways and psychiatric comorbidity influence the risk of indoor tanning addiction. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with a community sample of 292 non-Hispanic white young adult women aged 18-30 years who reported indoor tanning in the past year. Self-report measures included indoor tanning frequency, appearance orientation, depressive symptoms, and two screeners of tanning addiction. DNA samples were analyzed for 34 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes in addiction reward pathways. RESULTS: No SNPs were significantly associated with tanning addiction in univariate analyses after multiplicity adjustment. In multivariable analyses adjusting for indoor tanning frequency, appearance orientation, and depressive symptoms, variant genotypes (CC or CT) in two DRD2 dopamine receptor gene SNPs were associated with increased odds of indoor tanning addiction (rs4436578, odds ratio [OR]: 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-4.77; rs4648318, OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.02-3.72). Variant SNP genotypes interacted with depressive symptoms to increase the risk of indoor tanning addiction: OR: 10.79, 95% CI: 3.25, 35.80, OR: 13.60, 95% CI: 4.13, 44.78, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that DRD2 dopamine receptor gene SNPs are associated with indoor tanning addiction and young women with variant genotypes and elevated depressive symptoms may be at higher risk. These preliminary results support a reward-based model for indoor tanning addiction and warrant further investigation.

Has FDA abandoned its efforts to make fake-cigar cigarettes comply with federal tobacco control laws that apply to cigarettes but not cigars?

In the USA, legal definitions of cigarettes and cigars are critical to tobacco control policy because federal, state and local laws typically tax and regulate cigarettes more strictly than cigars. In 2016, near the end of the Obama Administration, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to four filtered 'little cigar' manufacturers stating that their so-called 'cigars' were cigarettes and, therefore, subject to more stringent public health restrictions. Documents produced in response to a Freedom of Information Act request show that without explanation or public notice FDA has abandoned its prior determination that the manufacturers' 'little cigars' were actually cigarettes and, consequently, were violating the ban on flavoured cigarettes in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA). The documents also present the manufacturers' arguments against FDA's original position. However, those industry arguments are inconsistent with the research, other evidence and legal analysis indicating that filtered 'little cigars' meet the legal definition of cigarettes under the TCA and other similar federal, state and local definitions. To protect the public health, FDA must renew its efforts to ensure that these filtered 'little cigars' do not continue to evade compliance with the many important restrictions and requirements that apply to cigarettes but not cigars. Other government regulatory and tax-collection agencies with similar definitions need to follow suit.

Tobacco Use and Cessation Behaviors in Young Adults: 2016 National Health Interview Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To examine differences in tobacco use and cessation between young adults (aged 18-24 years) and adults aged 25 years or older. METHODS: We used data from the 2016 US National Health Interview Survey (n = 33 028) to identify 13 494 current and former cigarette smokers (562 aged 18-24 years; 12 932 aged 25 years or older). We analyzed correlations between age group, cigarette smoking, cessation behaviors, and other tobacco and nicotine use. RESULTS: Among current and former smokers, those aged 18 to 24 years had lower odds of having quit for 1 year or longer and higher odds of having tried e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco compared with adults aged 25 years or older, as well as higher odds of daily e-cigarette and smokeless tobacco use. Young adult smokers used fewer cigarettes per day than did those aged 25 years or older (mean = 8.8 vs 12.3), had higher odds of making a past-year quit attempt (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.42), and had lower odds of having a health professional talk to them about smoking (AOR = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Greater experimentation with noncigarette products, lower cigarette consumption, and greater interest in quitting smoking invite novel intervention approaches to tobacco reduction, cessation, and relapse prevention in young adults.