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Cue Reactivity Effects of Heated Tobacco Product Use in Current, Former, and Never Smokers in the United States

Brett EI, Lee Z, Leavens ELS, Fridberg DJ, King AC

Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 2023

515 participants · 3 citations

Abstract

Introduction: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) share similar characteristics as combustible cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and thus may serve as cues for smoking and vaping. While HTP familiarity is low in the United States, HTPs may be perceived as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.

Aims and methods: The present study examined if visual exposure to HTP use influenced cigarette and e-cigarette craving in a large national sample of adults with varied smoking patterns. Current, former, and never cigarette smokers (N = 515; Mage = 40) were recruited from online crowd-sourcing panels throughout the United States from January to April 2020. Participants completed surveys before and after watching a video depicting the use of an HTP, cigarette, or bottled water. Main outcomes were changes in cigarette craving after exposure to the video cue. Secondary outcomes included changes in e-cigarette craving.

Results: Relative to the water cue, the HTP and cigarette cues increased cigarette craving in current smokers. The HTP cue also increased e-cigarette craving (desire for a mod or vape pen and JUUL) across all subgroups.

Conclusions: Current smokers demonstrated cue reactivity to the use of an HTP as they reported increases in both cigarette and e-cigarette craving after exposure. All smoking groups reported e-cigarette reactivity to the HTP cue. As HTPs gain traction globally, it is crucial to consider how their use may influence active users and…

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