E‐cigarette product preferences among Australian young adult e‐cigarette users

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To assess preferences for e‐cigarettes containing nicotine and flavourings among Australian young adult e‐cigarette users. Methods: An online survey was administered to 1,116 young adults (18–25 years), 104 of whom had used an e‐cigarette in the last 30 days and were the focus of this study. Among users, 53% also smoked tobacco cigarettes, 27% were non‐smokers and 20% had never smoked. Results: Nearly two‐thirds (64%) of e‐cigarette users preferred nicotine‐containing e‐cigarettes (71% of smokers, 56% of non‐smokers, 55% of never smokers). The vast majority (89%) preferred flavoured e‐cigarettes (92% of smokers, 82% of non‐smokers, 95% of never smokers), with fruit flavours the most popular. Conclusions: E‐cigarettes containing nicotine and flavourings were popular among users of these devices in this sample of young adults. Implications for public health: Previous research has documented potential harms associated with e‐liquid additives, flavourings, and nicotine. The present results showing strong preferences for nicotine and flavourings among the sampled e‐cigarette users suggest that: i) flavourings in e‐liquids should be regulated; and ii) existing prohibitions on the unauthorised supply of liquid nicotine should be better enforced. Population‐wide monitoring of the use of e‐cigarettes with different product characteristics is also warranted.

Keywords

• e‐cigarettes
• smoking
• young adults
• nicotine
• flavourings