146 results on '"Halpern-Felsher B"'
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2. Influence of physician confidentiality assurances on adolescents' willingness to disclose information and seek future health care. A randomized controlled trial.
- Author
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Ford CA, Millstein SG, Halpern-Felsher BL, Irwin CE Jr., Ford, C A, Millstein, S G, Halpern-Felsher, B L, and Irwin, C E Jr
- Abstract
Context: Adolescents' concerns about privacy in clinical settings decrease their willingness to seek health care for sensitive problems and may inhibit their communication with physicians.Objective: To investigate the influence of physicians' assurances of confidentiality on adolescents' willingness to disclose information and seek future health care.Design: Randomized controlled trial.Setting: Three suburban public high schools in California.Participants: The 562 participating adolescents represented 92% of students in mandatory classes.Intervention: After random assignment to 1 of 3 groups, the adolescents listened to a standardized audiotape depiction of an office visit during which they heard a physician who assured unconditional confidentiality, a physician who assured conditional confidentiality, or a physician who did not mention confidentiality.Main Outcome Measures: Adolescents' willingness to disclose general information, willingness to disclose information about sensitive topics, intended honesty, and likelihood of return visits to the physician depicted in the scenario were assessed by anonymous written questionnaire.Results: Assurances of confidentiality increased the number of adolescents willing to disclose sensitive information about sexuality, substance use, and mental health from 39% (68/175) to 46.5% (178/383) (beta=.10, P=.02) and increased the number willing to seek future health care from 53% (93/175) to 67% (259/386) (beta=.17, P<.001). When comparing the unconditional with the conditional groups, assurances of unconditional confidentiality increased the number of adolescents willing to return for a future visit by 10 percentage points, from 62% (122/196) to 72% (137/190) (beta=.14, P=.001).Conclusions: Adolescents are more willing to communicate with and seek health care from physicians who assure confidentiality. Further investigation is needed to identify a confidentiality assurance statement that explains the legal and ethical limitations of confidentiality without decreasing adolescents' likelihood of seeking future health care for routine and nonreportable sensitive health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 1997
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3. TEENS TELL US THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF HAVING SEX.
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Widdice, L., Cornell, J. L., Liang, W., and Halpern-Felsher, B. L.
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- 2005
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4. Adolescent Perspectives on Their E-Cigarette Initiation Experiences.
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Guerra Castillo C, Hoeft KS, Couch ET, Halpern-Felsher B, and Chaffee BW
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- Humans, Adolescent, Female, Male, Interviews as Topic, Adolescent Behavior psychology, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, California, Peer Group, Vaping psychology, Qualitative Research
- Abstract
Purpose: To examine adolescents' perspectives regarding external and internal influences of the e-cigarette initiation process., Design: Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews., Setting: California, remote videoconference., Participants: Adolescents ages 13-17 who currently or previously used e-cigarettes (n = 47)., Method: Interviews occurred from May 2020-February 2021. Two researchers coded transcripts based on a codebook developed inductively. Coded excerpts were reviewed to identify encompassing themes related to adolescent e-cigarette initiation., Results: Adolescents were often near e-cigarette use by peers, family members, and others, creating ample opportunities to try e-cigarettes in response to curiosity, peer pressure, and desires to cope with stress or belong to a group. Adverse first experiences were common (eg, throat irritation, nausea), but many adolescents vaped again or continued to use regularly in attempts to cement friendships or alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, including low-cost, concealability, and variety in designs and flavors facilitated initiation, continued use, and nicotine dependence., Conclusions: Adolescents progress to e-cigarette use via a multistage process, starting where social expectations and opportunity converge. While individual circumstances vary, many continue to vape as a perceived coping tool for emotional issues, to gain social belonging, or influenced by e-cigarette characteristics that contribute to ongoing use and dependence. Efforts to deter use should address the devices themselves and the social forces driving youth interest in them., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies.
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- 2025
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5. E-cigarette access and age verification among adolescents, young adults, and adults.
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Gaiha SM, Lempert LK, Lin C, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Young Adult, Male, Female, Cross-Sectional Studies, Adult, Vaping epidemiology, Age Factors, Social Media statistics & numerical data, Commerce statistics & numerical data, Internet, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Background: Adolescents and young adults continue to access e-cigarettes despite regulatory efforts to prevent sales to those under 21. Prior research on sources of acquiring e-cigarettes excludes key online sources. This study aims to update evidence on where and how different age groups (adolescents, young adults, and adults) access e-cigarettes., Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey of 13-40 year-olds who used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days was conducted from November-December 2021., Study Outcomes: where past 30-day users obtained and bought e-cigarettes (retail stores; online, including e-cigarette company and multi-brand websites; social media; home delivery applications; and someone they know); and whether and how age was verified., Results: In our sample, 55.0% reported obtaining e-cigarettes from retail stores, 44.9% online, and 24.0% from someone they know (n = 2,256), although most 13-17-year-olds obtained their e-cigarettes from someone they know. Double the proportion of 21-40-year-olds (7.0%) and higher than 18-20-year-olds (9.8%), 13.4% of 13-17-year-olds obtained e-cigarettes through social media. Social media, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok were common platforms to buy e-cigarettes among those under 21; common sources on social media included friends their age, store/company accounts, and influencers. Approximately 20.0% of those under 21 bought e-cigarettes from internet vendors (including multi-brand websites) and 10.4-15.5% used home delivery applications. Across participants, 14.2% reported that their age was not verified, and 17.8% reported that their age was rarely verified., Conclusions: A sizeable proportion of adolescents and young adults under 21 years and adults above 21 acquired e-cigarettes from retail and online sources. Less than a quarter of those underage reported having their age verified all the time, warranting enforcement of existing age verification regulation and development of strategies to prevent underage access online., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. No other authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2025
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6. Adolescents' perceptions, experiences, and reactions to "fake" vaping devices.
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Chaffee BW, Guerra Castillo C, Couch ET, Urata J, Halpern-Felsher B, and Hoeft KS
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- Humans, Adolescent, Female, Male, Deception, Perception, California, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Vaping psychology, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
- Abstract
Use of electronic cigarette (vaping) devices, whether to inhale nicotine, cannabis, or other substances, may pose health risks to adolescents. Those risks could be heightened when a vaping device is "fake," a term we use to include inauthentic, knockoff, counterfeit, and/or adulterated devices, an issue exemplified by the Electronic Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak of 2019-2020., Methods: Investigators completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews in 2020-2021 with 47 California adolescents (ages 13-17) who used nicotine products. Investigators used thematic analysis to examine participants' perceptions and reactions to fake vaping products, including devices to inhale nicotine or cannabis., Results: Participants were familiar with fake vaping devices, which they considered to be low-quality and potentially dangerous, learning about them from peers, their own experience, seeing other young people affected by them, social media, and occasionally from classes in school. Some had heard about health emergencies after using a fake product, but few were specifically familiar with EVALI. Some adolescents were confident that they could detect fake products, although others perceived encountering and using fake devices to be unavoidable. Participants believed that profit motives drove the existence of fake products, especially from informal sellers, and assumed that large companies and government agencies were actively protecting consumers., Conclusions: Adolescents are aware of and may encounter fake vaping devices, potentially exposing them to elevated health risks. Effective public messaging and stronger actions to curb the fake product supply would better protect this population., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: All authors report financial support was provided by National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bonnie Halper-Felsher reports a relationship that includes paid expert testimony in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry. Dr. Halpern-Felsher is an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Tobacco Prevention Toolkit and the Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Toolkit. The other authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
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- 2025
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7. Train-the-Educator: Boosting Knowledge and Confidence for Conducting Substance Use Prevention Education.
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Liu J, Kajiwara C, McCauley D, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Female, Male, Health Education methods, Adult, School Teachers psychology, Surveys and Questionnaires, Middle Aged, Teacher Training methods, School Health Services organization & administration, Substance-Related Disorders prevention & control, Curriculum, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Abstract
Background: School-based substance use prevention is important, yet many educators are not trained in the curriculums. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in educators' knowledge about substances and confidence in delivering drug education before and after participating in educator trainings, as well as overall perceptions of the trainings, for three curriculums: tobacco, cannabis, and all drugs prevention., Methods: We conducted one-arm pre-post analyses evaluating educators' changes in knowledge about products and confidence to deliver curriculums. A total of 1064, 648, and 171 educators participated in the trainings and completed surveys (June 2021-November 2023) about drug knowledge (closed-ended, three items for tobacco, five for cannabis), confidence to deliver curriculums (Likert, four items for all trainings), and perceptions of the trainings (open-ended, four items for all trainings). Paired-sample t-tests and McNemar tests of paired proportions were conducted for the matched sample. Two coders double-coded open-ended responses to identify key themes., Results: The training for tobacco was associated with pre-post improvements on all knowledge questions (p's ≤ 0.001). Trainings for all three curriculums were associated with pre-post improvements for all confidence questions (p's < 0.007). Participants qualitatively reported wanting longer trainings with more in-depth content and navigation of materials., Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Our findings suggest that trainings are a promising method that may improve the knowledge and confidence of educators who deliver drug education curriculums., Conclusions: Educator trainings will likely benefit from detailed content on various substances, interactive activities, and show educators how to tailor curriculums based on their students' specific needs., (© 2025 American School Health Association.)
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- 2025
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8. Gaps in Awareness of the United States Minimum Legal Age of E-Cigarette and Cigarette Sales: Implications for Public Health Messaging.
- Author
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McCauley DM and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, United States, Male, Female, Cross-Sectional Studies, Adult, Young Adult, Age Factors, Public Health legislation & jurisprudence, Surveys and Questionnaires, Awareness, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems economics, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems statistics & numerical data, Tobacco Products legislation & jurisprudence, Tobacco Products economics, Commerce legislation & jurisprudence
- Abstract
Purpose: In 2019, the United States raised the minimum legal age (MLA) of sales for all tobacco products from 18 to 21. Public awareness of the federal MLA of tobacco sales overall and by demographics is understudied., Methods: A national, cross-sectional 2023 survey in which 6,098 participants aged 13-40 years responded to the question, "at which age is it legal to purchase [e-cigarettes; cigarettes; alcohol] in the United States?" Participants also reported age, sex, race/ethnicity, and prior use of each substance., Results: Sixty-one percent, 64.6%, and 88.7% correctly identified the MLA of sales for e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and alcohol, respectively. Differences in awareness of the MLA were found by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and prior use status., Discussion: Gaps in awareness of the MLA of tobacco sales, particularly among adolescents and adults, suggest messaging regarding the federal Tobacco 21 law is needed., (Copyright © 2024 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2025
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9. Concerns Over Vuse e-Cigarette Digital Marketing and Implications for Public Health Regulation: Content Analysis.
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Han E, Lempert LK, Vescia F, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, United States, Adolescent, Social Media statistics & numerical data, Public Health legislation & jurisprudence, United States Food and Drug Administration legislation & jurisprudence, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Marketing legislation & jurisprudence
- Abstract
Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most used form of tobacco products among adolescents and young adults, and Vuse is one of the most popular brands of e-cigarettes among US adolescents. In October 2021, Vuse Solo became the first e-cigarette brand to receive marketing granted orders (MGOs) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), authorizing its marketing and their tobacco-flavored pods. Vuse Ciro and Vuse Vibe, and their tobacco-only ("original") e-liquids, were authorized for marketing in May 2022 and Vuse Alto tobacco-flavored devices were authorized in July 2024. These marketing authorizations are contingent upon the company adhering to the MGOs' stated marketing restrictions, including reducing exposure and appeal to youth via digital, radio, television, print, and point-of-sale advertising., Objective: In this study, we analyzed the official social media channels of Vuse (Instagram and Facebook) to examine how Vuse marketed its products on social media and whether these marketing posts contain potentially youth-appealing themes., Methods: We conducted content analysis of the official RJ Reynolds Vapor Company Instagram and Facebook accounts. We collected all posts from October 10, 2019, when RJ Reynolds Vapor Company submitted its premarket tobacco product application to the FDA, to February 21, 2022, to cover the first winter holiday season after the MGO. Two coders developed the codebook with 17 themes based on the Content Appealing to Youth index to capture the posts' characteristics and potentially youth-appealing content. We calculated the percentage of posts in which each code was present., Results: A total of 439 unique posts were identified. During this study's period, there were no posts on Instagram or Facebook marketing Vuse Solo (the authorized product at that time). Instead, Vuse Alto (unauthorized to date of study) was heavily marketed, with 59.5% (n=261) of the posts specifically mentioning the product name. Further, "Vuse" more generally was marketed on social media without differentiating between the authorized and unauthorized products (n=182, 41.5%). The marketing messages contained several potentially youth-appealing themes including creativity or innovation (n=189, 43.1%), individuality or freedom (n=106, 24.2%), and themes related to art (n=150, 34.2%), music (n=77, 17.5%), sports (n=125, 28.5%), nature (with n=49, 11.2% of the posts containing flora imageries), alcohol imagery (n=10, 2.3%), and technology (n=6, 1.4%)., Conclusions: Although Vuse Alto e-cigarettes had not yet obtained FDA marketing authorization during the 28 months of data collection, they were the primary Vuse e-cigarette devices marketed on social media. Vuse social media posts use themes that are appealing to and likely promote youth use, including creativity and innovation, individuality or freedom, arts and music, nature, technology, and alcohol imagery. The FDA should (1) prohibit companies from comarketing unauthorized products alongside authorized products, and (2) exercise enforcement against even authorized products that are marketed using youth-appealing features., (© Eileen Han, Lauren K Lempert, Francesca Vescia, Bonnie Halpern-Felsher. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org).)
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- 2024
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10. Improving Hospital-to-Home for Medically Complex Children: Views From Spanish-Speaking Caregivers.
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Squires SS, Hoang K, Grajales L, Halpern-Felsher B, and Sanders L
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- Humans, Female, Child, Male, Child, Preschool, Adult, Patient Discharge, Interviews as Topic, Qualitative Research, Communication Barriers, Caregivers psychology, Hispanic or Latino
- Abstract
Background and Objectives: Children with medical complexity (CMC) experience increased risk of adverse events during and after hospitalization, and these risks are even greater for CMC whose caregiver has a preferred language other than English. Because many adverse events for CMC may be attributable to communication challenges, understanding caregiver and physician perspectives may help prevent adverse events., Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with Spanish-speaking caregivers of hospitalized CMC and their inpatient attending physicians. Each interview was conducted 24 to 72 hours after hospital discharge. Interviews continued until thematic sufficiency was reached. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated verbatim. Investigators independently coded and reconciled codes using constant comparison to develop themes via inductive thematic analysis., Results: We conducted 28 interviews (14 caregivers, 14 physicians). Three themes were identified: (1) barriers exist in providing language-concordant care in planning for transitions from hospital-to-home; (2) both physicians and caregivers perceived logistical challenges in using interpreters at the point of care; and (3) many caregivers felt uncomfortable asking physicians questions related to their child's medical management because of their language barrier. Participants also offered strategies to improve the transition from hospital to home: (1) empower families to ask questions and take notes, (2) consider the use of medical educators, and (3) improve the ability of hospital-based physicians to follow up with patients after discharge., Conclusions: Physicians strive for language-concordant care at each stage of discharge planning. However, unresolved gaps such as the lack of interpreter availability during medical-device education, require attention to promote safe transitions from hospital to home., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
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- 2024
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11. Products and patterns through which adolescents, young adults, and adults initiate co-use of tobacco and cannabis.
- Author
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McCauley DM, Liu J, Gaiha SM, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Young Adult, Male, Female, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Marijuana Smoking epidemiology, United States epidemiology, Marijuana Use epidemiology, Tobacco Use epidemiology, Tobacco Products statistics & numerical data, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Background: Co-use of tobacco and cannabis is common. However, few studies have examined the temporal sequencing through which individuals initiate co-use, and how these patterns vary across age. This study addresses this gap by examining the specific products and temporal sequencing through which adolescents, young adults, and adults initiate co-use of tobacco and cannabis. Among adolescents, young adults, and adults who co-used tobacco and cannabis in the past 30 days, we examined (a) whether tobacco or cannabis was used first in their lifetime and (b) which specific tobacco or cannabis product (e.g., nicotine e-cigarettes, cannabis edibles) was the first used., Methods: Data were from a cross-sectional national survey (N = 6,131, 13-40 years old) in which participants reported ever use, past-30-day-use, and order of use for 17 different tobacco and cannabis products. Results were analyzed overall and by age group (13-20; 21-24; 25-40)., Results: 38.4% of participants reported use of both tobacco and cannabis in the past 30 days. Among these participants, 70.9% used tobacco first in their lifetime (66.6% < 21; 71.7% 21-24; 76.6% > 24). Approximately 60% of participants who initiated co-use with tobacco reported nicotine e-cigarettes as their first tobacco product (63.3% < 21; 66.7% 21-24; 49.6% > 24)., Conclusions: The majority of participants who used both tobacco and cannabis used tobacco first in their lifetime, and nicotine e-cigarettes were the most common form of tobacco initiation, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Findings emphasize the need for co-use prevention programs to target common products of initiation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Halpern-Felsher is the Founder and Executive Director of the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit. She is also a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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12. Social Media Exposure and Other Correlates of Increased e-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents During Remote Schooling: Cross-Sectional Study.
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Pravosud V, Ling PM, Halpern-Felsher B, and Gribben V
- Abstract
Background: Little is known about the role of exposure to e-cigarette-related digital content, behavioral and mental health factors, and social environment on the change in adolescent e-cigarette use during COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders and remote schooling., Objective: The aim of the study was to examine changes in adolescent e-cigarette use during shelter-in-place and remote schooling in association with exposure to e-cigarette-related digital content and other correlates: stronger e-cigarette dependence, feeling lonely, inability to socialize, e-cigarette use to cope with shelter-in-place, and the number of family members aware of participants' e-cigarette use., Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted between August 2020 and March 2021 included 85 California adolescents (mean age 16.7, SD 1.2 years; 39/85, 46% identified as female and 37/85, 44% as Hispanic) who reported e-cigarette use in the past 30 days. Multivariable penalized logistic regressions determined associations adjusted for age, race and ethnicity, and mother's education. The outcome of increased e-cigarette use was defined as more frequent use of e-cigarettes of the same or stronger nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol concentration., Results: Almost all respondents (83/85, 98%) reported using social media more since shelter-in-place, and 74% (63/85) reported seeing e-cigarette digital content. More than half (46/85, 54%) reported increased e-cigarette use during shelter-in-place. Most individuals who increased use were exposed to e-cigarette digital content (38/46, 83%) compared to those who did not increase e-cigarette use (25/39, 64%), but the association was nonsignificant after adjusting for demographics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.34, 95% CI 0.71-8.46). Respondents who felt lonely (AOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.27-9.42), used e-cigarettes to cope with shelter-in-place (AOR 4.06, 95% CI 1.39-13.41), or had ≥2 family members aware of participants' e-cigarette use (AOR 6.42, 95% CI 1.29-39.49) were more likely to report increased e-cigarette use., Conclusions: Almost all participants reported using social media more during shelter-in-place, with many respondents reporting increased e-cigarette use, and significant associations with loneliness and use to cope with shelter-in-place. Future interventions should consider leveraging digital platforms for e-cigarette use prevention and cessation and address the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic., (© Vira Pravosud, Pamela M Ling, Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Valerie Gribben. Originally published in JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting (https://pediatrics.jmir.org).)
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- 2024
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13. Code Milk: Finding the Pulse of Lactation Culture, Practices, and Preferences of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellows.
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Goli SG, Sebok-Syer SS, Halpern-Felsher B, Goyal S, Wang NE, and Fang A
- Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study is to characterize the lactation goals and practice of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows and to identify areas of improvement related to 1) policy awareness, 2) departmental culture and accommodations, and 3) lactation space and time., Methods: This study is a national, cross-sectional survey study of PEM fellows and program directors (PDs). Two surveys were developed via iterative review and distributed by the PEM-PD Survey Committee. Responses were collected anonymously via the Qualtrics survey platform. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics., Results: Survey responses from 60 PEM PDs (71%, 60/84) estimated that 67% (310/461) of their fellows had the ability to lactate. One hundred fifteen study-eligible fellows (37%) completed the survey. Most fellows (57%, 66/115) reported having lactated or expected to lactate during fellowship. Fellows reported an ideal lactation time of 11.5 months. Sixty-two percent (8/13) met their lactation goal and 42% (22/66) did not or did not know if they would meet their goal. Forty-three percent (50/115) of fellows and 57% (34/60) of PDs were aware of workplace lactation policies. Sixty-one percent (38/62) of fellows discussed a lactation plan with their PDs and 18% (7/39) reported their rotations upon returning to work were scheduled with lactation needs in mind. A dedicated lactation space was available to 67% (43/64) of fellows but used by 29% (11/28). Fellows lactated on average twice during an 8-hour shift, spending 7 minutes walking to and from their chosen lactation space and 21-minute pumping per session., Conclusions: PEM fellows are likely to have lactation needs during fellowship but receive inconsistent support from their programs. Based on our findings, we advocate for the creation of more visible and PEM-specific workplace lactation policies, planning with PDs pre-return to work, and improved availability and usability of designated lactation spaces. Further optimization may help support PEM fellows' personal, clinical, and academic productivity., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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14. Supporting Adolescents' Desire to Quit E-Cigarettes.
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Halpern-Felsher B
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- Adolescent, Humans, Adolescent Health, Age Factors, Nicotine administration & dosage, Nicotine adverse effects, Nicotine Replacement Therapy methods, Nicotine Replacement Therapy psychology, Public Health, Vaping psychology, Vaping adverse effects, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Psychology, Adolescent, Smoking Cessation psychology, Smoking Cessation methods
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- 2024
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15. Depression screening outcomes among adolescents, young adults, and adults reporting past 30-day tobacco and cannabis use.
- Author
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Gaiha SM, Wang M, Baiocchi M, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Male, Female, Young Adult, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Vaping epidemiology, Vaping psychology, Marijuana Smoking epidemiology, Marijuana Smoking psychology, Mass Screening methods, Depression epidemiology, Depression psychology, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems statistics & numerical data, Tobacco Use epidemiology, Marijuana Use epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: Few studies examine the relationship between depression and use of specific tobacco and/or cannabis products among adolescents, young adults, and adults. We determined whether the odds of depression are greater among those who used specific tobacco and/or cannabis products and among co-users of tobacco and cannabis., Method: Cross-sectional online survey of a national convenience sample of 13-40-year-olds (N = 6,038). The survey included depression screening and past 30-day use of specific tobacco and cannabis products (cigarettes; e-cigarettes, vaped cannabis, little cigars, cigarillos, cigars, hookah, chewing tobacco, smoked cannabis, edible cannabis, blunts). Analyses correspond to the total sample, and 13-17-, 18-24-, and 25-40-year-olds., Results: Among 5,281 individuals who responded to the depression screener and nine product use questions, 1,803 (34.1 %) reported co-use of at least one tobacco product and one cannabis product in the past 30 days. Past 30-day co-use was associated with higher likelihood of screening positive for depression compared to past 30-day use of tobacco-only (aOR = 1.32, 1.06-1.65; 0.006) or cannabis-only (aOR = 1.94, 1.28-2.94; <0.001). Screening positive for depression was more likely among those who reported past 30-day use of e-cigarettes (aOR = 1.56; 1.35-1.80; <0.001), cigarettes (aOR = 1.24, 1.04-1.48; 0.016), chewed tobacco (aOR = 1.91, 1.51-2.42; <0.001), and blunts (aOR = 1.22, 1.00-1.48; 0.053) compared to those who did not report past 30-day use of these products. Among the 2,223 individuals who screened positive for depression, the most used two-product combination was nicotine e-cigarettes and smoked cannabis (614 individuals, 27.6 %)., Conclusions: Screening positive for depression was more likely among past 30-day co-users versus past 30-day users of tobacco-only or cannabis-only. Findings suggest that prevention programs for depression and substance use address tobacco and cannabis co-use., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. No other authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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16. Popularity of Zyn and other nicotine pouch brands among U.S. adolescents, young adults, and adults in 2021.
- Author
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Liu J and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Humans, Adolescent, Cross-Sectional Studies, Male, Female, Adult, United States, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, Nicotine, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Objective: This study identifies brands of nicotine pouches used in 2021, just before the surge in popularity of Zyn use., Methods: We conducted a national, cross-sectional online survey of a general U.S. population (November to December 2021; N = 6131; age 13-40) via Qualtrics panels. Descriptive analyses and chi-squared tests (alpha = 0.05) were performed to assess ever and past-30-day use of nicotine pouch brands across adolescents (13-20), young adults (21-24), and adults (25-40), and to assess frequency of popular brands used among peers., Results: The top brands ever used were Zyn (overall: 30.9%; adolescents: 31.9%; young adults: 33.2%; adults: 28.3%) and Lyft (overall: 28.8%; adolescents: 28.4%; young adults: 32.9%; adults: 26.3%), with no differences in ever-use by age group (p's > 0.095). The top brands used in the past-30-days were Zyn (overall: 26.4%; adolescents: 24.5%; young adults: 24.3%; adults: 30.0%) and Rush (overall: 24.2%; adolescents: 21.0%; young adults: 22.7%; adults: 28.6%). Adults (vs. adolescents, young adults) were more likely to report past-30-day use of Lyft (p = 0.004). Participants indicated Zyn (18.5%) and Lyft (18.2%) to be the most popular brands among peers., Conclusions: Even in 2021, Zyn was the most popular brand of nicotine pouches. Findings will help regulate and reduce impact of marketing of Zyn., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against e-cigarette companies and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert witness regarding some tobacco-related policies. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Tobacco Prevention Toolkit and the Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Toolkit. Dr. Liu has no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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17. Engagement, Mental Health, and Substance Use Under In-Person or Remote School Instruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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Chaffee BW, Cheng J, Couch ET, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Male, Female, Students psychology, California epidemiology, Education, Distance, Self Efficacy, SARS-CoV-2, Adolescent Behavior psychology, COVID-19 epidemiology, COVID-19 psychology, COVID-19 prevention & control, Substance-Related Disorders epidemiology, Mental Health, Schools
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Background: Adolescents' school engagement, mental health, and substance use have been major concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly given disruptions to school instruction. We examined how the instructional setting was associated with academic and health-related outcomes within an adolescent cohort followed during the pandemic., Methods: During 3 semi-annual follow-up surveys, adolescents (N = 1066 students; 2242 observations) from 8 California high schools responded to items measuring academic self-efficacy, school connectedness, internalizing and externalizing problems, and use of substances. Separate generalized estimating equation models predicted outcomes based on the instructional setting., Results: Relative to in-person instruction, students in remote instruction reported lower academic self-efficacy (Beta: -0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.22, -0.01) and school connectedness (Beta: -0.37; 95% CI: -0.48, -0.25), greater odds of past 30-day internalizing problems (AOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.95), externalizing problems (AOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.82), and cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco, or hookah use (AOR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.06, 5.91), but lower odds of past 30-day e-cigarette use (AOR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.86)., Conclusions: Multiple adverse outcomes related to school engagement, mental health, and substance use were associated with remote instruction. To reduce such impacts under future emergencies, schools should rely sparingly on remote instruction and provide appropriate supportive resources., (© 2023, American School Health Association.)
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- 2024
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18. Appealing characteristics of E-cigarette marketing in the retail environment among adolescents.
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Gaiha SM, Lempert LK, Lung H, Vescia F, and Halpern-Felsher B
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Background: Nearly 3 million U.S. adolescents use e-cigarettes. E-cigarette marketing is associated with adolescent e-cigarette use; however, studies have not asked adolescents their perceptions about whether and which e-cigarette marketing in retail stores influences purchase and use., Methods: Eleven 90-minute focus groups with 12-19-year-olds (mean age 15.7, 46.6 % female) from 11 U.S. states (n = 58) recruited through Instagram and schools (May 2021-Aug 2022). Photographs of e-cigarette marketing in and around retail stores were used to aid discussion. Thematic analysis identified themes related to appealing marketing characteristics., Results: Adolescents indicated that e-cigarette marketing in and around retail stores arouses their curiosity, reminds them to buy, and normalizes using e-cigarettes. Adolescents identified specific e-cigarette marketing characteristics that they believed influence their decision to purchase and use e-cigarettes including the Tobacco Power Wall, free samples and flavor smelling samples, price incentives such as discounts and starter-kits, e-cigarette displays near checkout encouraging grab-and-go, displays near food, snacks or candy, and e-cigarette advertising through posters on store windows and stickers at checkout. Adolescents reported combining online and social media strategies to bypass age verification in retail stores (e.g., buying gift cards online and using them in stores). Adolescents suggested adding warning images on negative health effects of e-cigarettes, increasing prominence of minimum-age-of-tobacco-sale signs, and developing marketing education as counter-marketing strategies., Conclusions: Adolescents indicate that specific e-cigarette marketing characteristics in retail stores influence their purchase and use decisions. Addressing such e-cigarette marketing exposures in retail stores through counter-marketing messages may bolster adolescent e-cigarette prevention efforts., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. No other authors have any conflicts to disclose., (© 2024 The Author(s).)
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- 2024
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19. Suggestions to Avoid Perpetuating Tobacco Industry Reduced-Harm Marketing Tropes.
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Jackler RK and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Young Adult, Marketing, Tobacco Industry, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Vaping, Tobacco Products
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- 2024
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20. E-cigarette and combustible cigarette cessation patterns, reasons, and methods among adolescents, young adults, and adults.
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Lin C, Mathur Gaiha S, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Young Adult, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Smoking, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Smoking Cessation methods, Tobacco Products
- Abstract
Research is limited regarding adolescents' and young adults' (AYA) patterns, methods of, and reasons for cigarette or e-cigarette cessation. Further, while adults may try to use e-cigarettes to quit combustible cigarettes, little is known about how adults then quit e-cigarettes. This study utilizes a national, cross-sectional online survey of 6131 diverse participants aged 13-40 years to examine reasons for quitting e-cigarettes or cigarettes, quit methods, and quit attempt outcomes among AYAs and adults. In our sample, 3137 (51.2%) had ever used an e-cigarette, of whom 2310 (37.7%) were aged 13-24 years and 827 (13.5%) were 25-40 years old; 2387 (38.9%) had ever used a combustible cigarette (1440 [23.5%] were 13-24 years old and 947 [15.4%] were 25-40 years old). Among e-cigarette ever-users, 39.4% of 13-24-year-olds intended to quit in the next 6 months, and 36.9% had a serious plan for quitting in the next 30 days; 25.2% wanted to decrease the amount they used while 34.8% wanted to quit completely. Similar rates were found among e-cigarette ever users aged 25-40 years, as well as past 30-day e-cigarette users, cigarette ever-users, and past 30-day cigarette users across all ages. "Cold turkey" (41.0%) followed by "tried to cut down slowly by vaping/smoking less often or fewer puffs" (25.5%) was the most common quit method among e-cigarette ever-users and cigarette ever-users of all ages. Further study of effective tobacco cessation methods to help both AYAs and adults successfully quit nicotine, whether from cigarettes or e-cigarettes, is urgently needed., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. No other authors have any conflicts to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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21. Sociodemographic differences in use of nicotine, cannabis, and non-nicotine E-cigarette devices.
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McCauley DM, Baiocchi M, Gaiha SM, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Adolescent, Young Adult, Humans, Male, Female, Adult, Nicotine, Cross-Sectional Studies, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Cannabis, Tobacco Products, Vaping, Hallucinogens
- Abstract
Background: Sociodemographic differences in e-cigarette use have been documented; however, disparities in use of specific e-cigarette types with various ingredients have yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study examines ever- and past-30-day-use of nicotine, cannabis, and non-nicotine e-cigarette device types by sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and financial comfort., Methods: Data were drawn from a 2021 national cross-sectional survey of adolescents, young adults, and adults (N = 6131, ages 13-40 years old). Participants reported ever and past-30-day-use of (1) disposable nicotine e-cigarettes, (2) pod/cartridge-based nicotine e-cigarettes, (3) "other" nicotine e-cigarettes, (4) non-nicotine e-cigarettes, (5) e-cigarettes with THC, and (6) e-cigarettes with CBD. We constructed summary tables for each e-cigarette device type in which percentages of ever and past-30-day-use were calculated by birth year category and sociodemographic variables: (a) sex, (b) sexual orientation, (c) race/ethnicity, and (d) financial comfort., Results: Females born between 1996 and 2008 reported higher rates of past-30-day disposable e-cigarette use relative to males (females 26.4%; males 22.4%). Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, LGBTQ+ participants reported higher overall rates of past-30-day-use for disposable (LGBTQ+ 27.9%; Heterosexual 23.8%), THC (LGBTQ+ 30.8%; Heterosexual 24.1%), and CBD e-cigarettes (LGBTQ+ 20.0%; Heterosexual 16.9%). Hispanic/Latino participants generally reported higher rates of past-30-day-use across device types relative to those identifying as Black or White non-Hispanic, particularly disposable nicotine e-cigarettes., Conclusions: Findings highlight sociodemographic disparities in e-cigarette use, though differences varied based on e-cigarette device type and participant birth year category. Tailored preventive efforts may be necessary to mitigate e-cigarette use among populations at highest risk., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Dr. Halpern-Felsher is the Founder and Executive Director of the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit. She is also a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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22. Adolescents' Experiences and Perceptions of E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Addiction.
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Guerra Castillo C, Hoeft KS, Couch ET, Urata J, Halpern-Felsher B, and Chaffee BW
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- Humans, Adolescent, Female, Male, Qualitative Research, Behavior, Addictive psychology, California, Adolescent Behavior psychology, Tobacco Use Disorder psychology, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Vaping psychology
- Abstract
Background: E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development., Methods: Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13-17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction., Results: Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids., Conclusions: For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support.
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- 2024
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23. Perceptions of Harm and Addictiveness for Nicotine Products, THC e-Cigarettes, and e-Cigarettes with Other Ingredients Among Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults.
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Liu J, McCauley D, Gaiha SM, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Young Adult, Male, Female, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Behavior, Addictive psychology, Vaping, Nicotine adverse effects, Age Factors, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
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Background: Perceptions of health harms and addictiveness related to nicotine products, THC e-cigarettes, and e-cigarettes with other ingredients are an important predictor of use. This study examined differences in perceived harm and addiction across such products among adolescents, young adults, and adults., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey ( N = 6,131, ages 13-40 years old) in which participants reported perceived harm and addictiveness for 11 products (cigarettes, disposable nicotine e-cigarettes, pod-based nicotine e-cigarettes, other nicotine e-cigarettes, THC e-cigarettes, e-cigarettes with other ingredients, nicotine pouches, nicotine lozenges, nicotine gums, nicotine tablets, nicotine toothpicks). We applied adjusted regression models and conducted pairwise comparisons between age groups (13-17, 18-20, 21-25, and 26-40) and product use status (never, ever, and past-30-day use), adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and financial comfort., Results: Overall, participants in younger age groups perceived products to be more harmful and addictive than those in older age groups, with the exception of e-cigarettes with other ingredients. For all products, participants who never used perceived each product to be more harmful than those who ever used. For all products, participants who used the products in the past 30-days had lower perceived harm and addictiveness compared to never and ever use. Certain sociodemographic groups, such as people who identify as LGBTQ+, Non-Hispanic Black, or Hispanic, had lower perceived harm and addictiveness for most products., Discussion: Efforts should be made to educate all age groups and minoritized groups on harms and addictiveness of all nicotine products, THC e-cigarettes, and e-cigarettes with other ingredients.
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- 2024
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24. Ocular Symptoms in Adolescents and Young Adults With Electronic Cigarette, Cigarette, and Dual Use.
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Nguyen AX, Gaiha SM, Chung S, Halpern-Felsher B, and Wu AY
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- Humans, Adolescent, Female, Young Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Pain, Headache diagnosis, Headache epidemiology, Headache etiology, Pruritus, Smoking adverse effects, Smoking epidemiology, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Importance: Despite increasing use of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and related health effects among youth, few studies have reported their effects on eyes., Objective: To examine the frequency and severity of ocular symptoms (ocular discomfort, pain, burning, itching, redness, dryness, glare, blurriness, strain, and headaches) in young e-cigarette and cigarette users., Design, Setting, and Participants: In an observational cross-sectional study, a survey conducted in May 6 to 14, 2020, asked participants about use (ever, past 30 days, and past 7 days) of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The participants included US individuals aged 13 to 24 years., Main Outcomes and Measures: Associations between vision-related outcomes (general vision, severity/frequency of ocular symptoms) and tobacco use were analyzed using weighted multivariable logistic regressions, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, contact lens use, and other combustible use., Results: There were 2168 never users, 2183 ever users, 1092 past 30-day users, and 919 past 7-day users of e-cigarettes; 55.9% of e-cigarette ever users also used cigarettes (dual users). Of the 4351 respondents, 63.8% identified as female, and mean (SD) age was 19.1 (2.9) years. Between 1.1% and 3.9% of ever dual users reported severe to very severe ocular symptoms; between 0.9% and 4.3% reported daily symptoms, which was higher than the proportion of symptoms in e-cigarette- or cigarette-only users. Past 7-day dual users had more severe itching (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.37; 95% CI, 1.36-4.13; P = .002), redness (AOR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.50-4.46; P = .001), dryness (AOR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.64-5.08; P < .001), glare (AOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.50-4.35; P = .001), blurriness (AOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.36-4.50; P = .003), headaches (AOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.34-4.00; P = .003); and more frequent pain (AOR, 3.45; 95% CI, 2.09-5.68; P < .001), burning (AOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.86-5.09; P < .001), and redness (AOR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.69-4.36; P < .001) than all other participants. Past 30-day dual users had more severe dryness (AOR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.61-4.36; P < .001) and more frequent pain (AOR, 3.33; 95% CI, 2.12-5.21; P < .001) than all other participants. Ever dual users experienced more severe dryness (AOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.05-2.43; P = .03) and blurriness (AOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21-2.64; P = .003) and more frequent pain (AOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13-2.53; P = .01) and blurriness (AOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.13-2.36; P = .009) than never users., Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional US study, adolescents and young adult users of both e-cigarettes and cigarettes had a higher likelihood of experiencing severe and frequent ocular symptoms, with past 7-day users reporting more symptoms than past 30-day users or ever users. These findings provide additional reasons for users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes to reduce their tobacco use to possibly prevent or minimize ocular symptoms.
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- 2023
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25. Effects of a Reduced Risk Claim on Adolescents' Smokeless Tobacco Perceptions and Willingness to Use.
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Chaffee BW, Couch ET, Popova L, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Adolescent, Female, Humans, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Tobacco Use, United States, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products adverse effects, Tobacco, Smokeless
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Purpose: United States Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC submitted a modified risk tobacco product application to the US Food and Drug Administration, proposing a claim that switching to Copenhagen snuff fine cut from cigarettes reduces lung cancer risk. This claim could affect adolescents' smokeless tobacco perceptions and its use., Methods: Students (N = 592; mean age: 15.3 years; 46% male; 32% nonHispanic White; 8% smokeless tobacco ever-users) at seven California high schools were randomized within a survey to view a Copenhagen snuff image, either with or without the proposed reduced risk claim. Participants were then asked about the harm of smokeless tobacco and their willingness to try Copenhagen snuff if a friend offered. Postimage harm rating and willingness were compared between image groups overall, stratified by past 30-day tobacco use (87% of tobacco users were e-cigarette users), and adjusted for participant characteristics using multivariable regression., Results: Participants who viewed the claim were less likely to perceive smokeless tobacco to cause "a lot" of harm (56% vs. 64%; p = .03), including after statistical adjustment (risk ratio [RR]: 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75, 0.94), and with a numerically stronger effect among tobacco users (RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.86). The claim did not increase willingness overall (17% vs. 20%; p = .41) but did increase willingness among tobacco users (RR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.67)., Discussion: Brief exposure to a reduced-risk claim decreased adolescents' smokeless tobacco harm perceptions and increased willingness to try among tobacco users. The Food and Drug Administration order permitting this claim could increase some adolescents' susceptibility to smokeless tobacco, particularly those already using other tobacco products like e-cigarettes., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2023
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26. Introduction to special issue of addictive behaviors: Tobacco regulatory science.
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Smith TT, McClure EA, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Tobacco Control, Behavior, Addictive, Tobacco Use Disorder
- Abstract
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. No other authors have any conflicts to disclose.
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- 2023
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27. Concern over tobacco and marijuana perceptions and use among adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis.
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Hamberger ES and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Humans, Adolescent, Young Adult, Child, Tobacco Use, Cannabis, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Cystic Fibrosis epidemiology, Transition to Adult Care, Tobacco Products adverse effects
- Abstract
Background: This study assesses use and perceptions of short- and long-term harms associated with cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smoked marijuana among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cystic fibrosis (CF)., Methods: A total of 205 AYAs with CF completed an online survey querying about use, safety perceptions, and education related to traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and smoked marijuana. In addition, parents of AYAs with CF and CF healthcare providers were asked questions about experiences in avoidance education., Results: AYA participants with CF reported using tobacco and marijuana at rates lower than that of the general AYA population, with heavy use considerably lower in this population. AYAs with CF perceived lower risk of negative outcomes associated with using e-cigarettes and smoked marijuana compared to combustible cigarettes. Ever-use was correlated with a lower perception of risk across all products. CF providers estimated lower rates of product use in their own patients compared to both the general AYA CF population and the general AYA population, and estimated lower use among the general CF AYA population compared to the general AYA population. Receipt of avoidance education varied greatly when comparing AYAs with CF, parents of individuals with CF, and CF healthcare providers. Reasons for undereducation include but are not limited to lack of familiarity with products, assumption of avoidance, assumption of education, and time constraints., Conclusions: Findings concerning safety perceptions and use of combustible tobacco, e-cigarettes, and marijuana in individuals with cystic fibrosis underscore the importance of providing avoidance education to vulnerable patient populations. Insight derived from this study may also inform pediatric to adult clinic transition education, when chronic disease populations are at greatest risk for engaging in risky behaviors., Implications and Contribution: We report data on use, risk perception, and education of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and cannabis in individuals with cystic fibrosis, with a focus on adolescents and young adults. Such Findings will inform prevention education, especially during the critical transition period from pediatric to adult care when these behaviors are prevalent., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some e-cigarette litigation and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert witness regarding some tobacco-related policies. Dr. Halpern-Felsher is also a member of the Editorial Board of Addictive Behaviors. None of the other authors have any conflicting interests., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2023
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28. Use, marketing, and appeal of oral nicotine products among adolescents, young adults, and adults.
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Gaiha SM, Lin C, Lempert LK, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Humans, Young Adult, Adolescent, Adult, Nicotine, Cross-Sectional Studies, Tobacco Use, Consumer Behavior, Marketing, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products
- Abstract
Importance: Oral nicotine products such as pouches, lozenges, tablets, gums, and toothpicks are gaining popularity, especially among adolescents and young adults, with increased marketing., Objective: To estimate use patterns of oral nicotine products and likelihood of buying and liking products based on marketing, using a large group of adolescents, young adults, and adults., Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional, online survey among U.S. participants (n = 6,131; ages 13-40 years) was conducted in November-December 2021., Main Outcomes and Measures: Ever, past-30-day, and past-7-day use, behaviors, and flavors of oral nicotine products. Liking marketing and likelihood of buying specific oral nicotine products (Zyn pouches and Lucy gum) from marketing., Results: Our sample included 2,025 (33.0%) ever-users, 1,191 (19.4%) past-30-day users, and 998 (16.3%) past-7-day users of any oral nicotine product. Use patterns by age (in years): ever-users (<21: 816 (22.3%); 21-40: 1,209 (48.9%)); past-30-day users (<21: 458 (12.5%); 21-40: 733 (29.7%)); and past-7-day users (<21: 383 (10.5%); 21-40: 615 (24.9%)). Across products, 10-18% of participants reported using nicotine strength ranging from 6-10 mg. Fruit, sweet/dessert, alcohol, coffee, and mint were the most used flavors. When shown marketing, ever-users liked and were likely to buy Zyn pouches compared to never users, and participants under 21 years felt equally targeted by Lucy and Zyn marketing. Liking Zyn marketing even a little bit compared to not at all increased the likelihood of buying Zyn pouches across age groups. After observing marketing, participants < 21 years were more likely to buy Zyn if they perceived marketing to contain messages about good tasting flavors (AOR 1.43, 1.09-1.87; 0.009) and helping to feel comfortable in social situations (AOR 1.38, 1.02-1.87; 0.033), and were more likely to buy Lucy if they felt it could be used anywhere (AOR 1.57, 1.05-2.33; 0.026)., Conclusions: This study provides a foundation for estimating use, behaviors, flavors, and marketing influence of oral nicotine products in the US and globally. Adolescent and young adult use of oral nicotine products and likelihood of buying products when exposed to marketing highlights the need for expanded tobacco use surveillance, marketing regulations, and counter marketing and educational efforts., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against the e-cigarette industry and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert regarding some tobacco-related policies. No other authors have any conflicts to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2023
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29. Evaluation of Early and Late High School Student Science Research and Mentorship Programs: Virtual Gateway to Science Curricula and Mentorship During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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Wozniak L, Guzman A, McLaughlin S, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Abstract
People from racial and ethnic minoritized groups, those with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds are underrepresented in biomedical careers. Increasing diversity in the biomedical workforce, particularly health care providers, is imperative to address the disparities faced by minoritized patients. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities experienced by minoritized populations and emphasized the need for a more diverse biomedical workforce. Science internship, mentorship, and research programs, which have historically been conducted in person, have been shown to increase interest in biomedical fields for minoritized students. During the pandemic, many science internship programs pivoted to virtual programming. This evaluation focuses on two such programs for both early and late high school students and evaluates change in scientific identity and scientific tasks pre- and post-program. Additionally, early high school students were interviewed to obtain more in-depth information on the program experiences and effects. Early and late high school students reported increased scientific identity and comfort with scientific tasks compared pre- to post-program in several domains. Desire to pursue biomedical careers was maintained pre- to post-program for both groups. These results highlight the importance and acceptance of developing curricula for online platforms to help boost interest in biomedical fields and desire for biomedical careers.
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- 2023
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30. E-cigarette, cannabis and combustible tobacco use: associations with xerostomia among California adolescents.
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Chaffee BW, Halpern-Felsher B, and Cheng J
- Subjects
- Humans, Adolescent, Cross-Sectional Studies, Tobacco Use adverse effects, Tobacco Use epidemiology, California epidemiology, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Cannabis
- Abstract
Objective: Xerostomia (subjective experience of dry mouth), while less common in younger populations, can contribute to caries and oral discomfort. Use of e-cigarettes and cannabis among adolescents is increasing and may be a xerostomia risk factor. This study evaluates xerostomia prevalence in an adolescent population, overall and by e-cigarette, cannabis and combustible tobacco use., Methods: Cross-sectional analyses of 12-month follow-up data (N=976; collected 2020-2021) from a cohort of adolescents recruited from public high schools in Northern California (USA) compared self-reported past 30-day e-cigarette, cannabis and other tobacco use and dry mouth (overall dry mouth experience; shortened xerostomia inventory, SXI). Dry mouth experience (never, occasionally, frequently/always) was modelled using ordered logistic regression with school-level clustering and adjustment for gender, race/ethnicity, alcohol use, asthma, physical activity and mutually for e-cigarette, cannabis and tobacco use., Results: Past 30-day use prevalence was 12% for e-cigarettes, 16% for cannabis and 3% for combustible tobacco. Occasional dry mouth experience (54%) was more common than frequent/always experience (5%). Frequent/always dry mouth was more prevalent among frequent (>5 days/month) e-cigarette (14%) and cannabis (19%) users and combustible tobacco users (19%) than non-users of those respective products (all comparisons p < 0.001). In covariable-adjusted models, frequent e-cigarette use was no longer significantly associated with dry mouth experience (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 0.69, 2.84), while frequent cannabis use (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 1.47, 6.82) and combustible tobacco use (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.68) were associated with greater odds of reporting more frequent dry mouth. Findings were qualitatively similar using the SXI., Conclusions: In this study, xerostomia was not independently associated with e-cigarette use but was one potential health concern of adolescent cannabis and combustible tobacco use., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2023
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31. Digital Antibiotic Allergy Decision Support Tool Improves Management of β-Lactam Allergies.
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Dunham TB, Gardner RM, Lippner EA, Fasani DE, Moir E, Halpern-Felsher B, Sundaram V, and Liu AY
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- Humans, beta-Lactams adverse effects, Anti-Bacterial Agents adverse effects, Surveys and Questionnaires, Penicillins, Drug Hypersensitivity diagnosis, Drug Hypersensitivity therapy, Hypersensitivity
- Abstract
Background: Frontline providers frequently make time-sensitive antibiotic choices, but many feel poorly equipped to handle antibiotic allergies., Objective: We hypothesized that a digital decision support tool could improve antibiotic selection and confidence when managing β-lactam allergies., Methods: A digital decision support tool was designed to guide non-allergist providers in managing patients with β-lactam allergy labels. Non-allergists were asked to make decisions in clinical test cases without the tool, and then with it. These decisions were compared using paired t tests. Users also completed surveys assessing their confidence in managing antibiotic allergies., Results: The tool's algorithm was validated by confirming its recommendations aligned with that of five allergists. Non-allergist providers (n = 102) made antibiotic management decisions in test cases, both with and without the tool. Use of the tool increased the proportion of correct decisions from 0.41 to 0.67, a difference of 0.26 (95% CI, 0.22-0.30; P < .001). Users were more likely to give full-dose antibiotics in low-risk situations, give challenge doses in medium-risk situations, and avoid the antibiotic and/or consult allergy departments in high-risk situations. A total of 98 users (96%) said the tool would increase their confidence when choosing antibiotics for patients with allergies., Conclusions: A point-of-care clinical decision tool provides allergist-designed guidance for non-allergists and is a scalable system for addressing antibiotic allergies, irrespective of allergist availability. This tool encouraged appropriate antibiotic use in low- and medium-risk situations and increased caution in high-risk situations. A digital support tool should be considered in quality improvement and antibiotic stewardship efforts., (Copyright © 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
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32. Effects of a short school-based vaping prevention program for high school students.
- Author
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McCauley DM, Baiocchi M, Cruse S, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Abstract
Educational programs that address adolescents' misperceptions of e-cigarette harms and benefits and increase refusal skills play an important role in preventing initiation and use. This study evaluates changes in adolescents' e-cigarette perceptions, knowledge, refusal skills, and intentions to use following a real-world implementation of a school-based vaping-prevention curriculum. Study participants were 357 9th-12th grade students from one high school in Kentucky, United States who participated in a 60-minute vaping prevention curriculum from the Stanford REACH Lab's Tobacco Prevention Toolkit. Participants completed pre- and post-program assessments regarding their e-cigarette knowledge, perceptions, refusal skills, and intentions to use e-cigarettes. Matched paired t-tests and McNemar tests of paired proportions were applied to assess changes in study outcomes. Following the curriculum, participants indicated statistically significant changes on all 15 survey items related to e-cigarette perceptions ( p's < 0.05) . Participants demonstrated improved knowledge that e-cigarettes deliver nicotine in the form of an aerosol ( p <.001), reported that if a friend offered them a vape it would be easier to say no ( p <.001), and indicated they would be less likely to take the vape ( p < .001) after receiving the curriculum. Other survey items related to knowledge, refusal skills, and intentions did not demonstrate significant changes. Overall, participation in a single session vaping-prevention curriculum was associated with several positive changes in high school students' e-cigarettes knowledge, perceptions, refusal skills, and intentions. Future evaluations should examine how such changes affect long-term trajectories of e-cigarette use., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)
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- 2023
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33. Admission and Care Practices in United States Well Newborn Nurseries.
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Joshi NS, Flaherman VJ, Halpern-Felsher B, Chung EK, Congdon JL, and Lee HC
- Subjects
- Infant, Infant, Newborn, Humans, United States epidemiology, Birth Weight, Hospitalization, Gestational Age, Surveys and Questionnaires, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Nurseries, Infant
- Abstract
Objectives: Late preterm and term infants comprise 97.3% of annual births in the United States. Admission criteria and the availability of medical interventions in well newborn nurseries are key determinants of these infants remaining within a mother-infant dyad or requiring a NICU admission and resultant separation of the dyad. The objective of this study was to identify national patterns for well newborn nursery care practices., Methods: We surveyed a physician representative from each nursery in the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns Network. We described the admission criteria and clinical management of common newborn morbidities and analyzed associations with nursery demographics., Results: Of 96 eligible nursery representatives, 69 (72%) completed surveys. Among respondents, 59 (86%) used a minimal birth weight criterion for admission to their well newborn nursery. The most commonly used criteria were 2000 g (n = 29, 49%) and 1800 g (n = 19, 32%), with a range between 1750 and 2500 g. All nurseries used a minimal gestational age criterion for admission; the most commonly used criterion was 35 weeks (n = 55, 80%). Eleven percent of sites required transfer to the NICU for phototherapy. Common interventions in the mother's room included dextrose gel (n = 56, 81%), intravenous antibiotics (n = 35, 51%), opiates for neonatal abstinence syndrome (n = 15, 22%), and an incubator for thermoregulation (n = 14, 20%)., Conclusions: Wide variation in admission criteria and medical interventions exists in well newborn nurseries. Further studies may help identify evidence-based optimal admission criteria to maximize care within the mother-infant dyad., (Copyright © 2023 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
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- 2023
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34. Use of Emerging and Conventional Oral Tobacco Among Adolescent and Young Adult E-Cigarette Users.
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Couch ET, Halpern-Felsher B, Werts M, and Chaffee BW
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Young Adult, Male, Humans, Female, United States epidemiology, Adult, Nicotine, Cross-Sectional Studies, Tobacco Use epidemiology, Tobacco, Smokeless, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products
- Abstract
Background: National surveillance assessing use of novel oral tobacco products (OTPs; nicotine pouches, lozenges, and gums not approved for tobacco cessation) among adolescents and young adults is limited. Objectives: To assess OTP behaviors in a sample of adolescent and young adult e-cigarette users, including use prevalence, dual/poly use with other products, and associated demographics. Methods: A national (United States) cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to April 2021 among 2253 participants (ages 14-20; 65% female) who ever used e-cigarettes ≥3 times. Demographics, lifetime use, and past 30-day use of 10 tobacco and cannabis products, including novel and conventional (chew, moist snuff, or snus) OTPs was assessed. Analysis was descriptive, examining use prevalence (lifetime and past 30-day) of each product, including by demographics and other product use. Results: Nearly 44% reported ever using any OTP, with nicotine pouches being the most commonly ever used (29%) and used in the past month (11%). Novel OTP use was more common among older participants (18-20 years), male participants, and past 30-day users of e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco, and conventional oral tobacco. However, female participants and combustible tobacco non-users were over twice and 4-times as likely, respectively, to use novel OTPs than conventional OTPs. Nearly 73% of past 30-day conventional OTP users were past 30-day novel OTP users. Conclusion: Novel OTP use was prevalent among adolescent and young adult e-cigarette users. Compared to conventional OTPs, novel OTPs likely have greater appeal to females and combustible tobacco non-users. Action to restrict access and reduce interest in OTPs is needed to prevent use among this population.
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- 2023
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35. Cross-sectional online survey of clinicians' knowledge, attitudes and challenges to screening and counselling adolescents and young adults for substance use.
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Gorukanti AL, Kimminau KS, Tindle HA, Klein JD, Gorzkowski J, Kaseeska K, Ali R, Singh L, David SP, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Humans, Young Adult, Male, Female, Child, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Smoking adverse effects, Counseling, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Substance-Related Disorders diagnosis, Substance-Related Disorders epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: To examine adolescent healthcare clinicians' self-reported screening practices as well as their knowledge, attitudes, comfort level and challenges with screening and counselling adolescents and young adults (AYA) for cigarette, e-cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, hookah and blunt use., Design: A 2016 cross-sectional survey., Setting: Academic departments and community-based internal medicine, family medicine and paediatrics practices., Participants: Adolescent healthcare clinicians (N=771) from 12 US medical schools and respondents to national surveys. Of the participants, 36% indicated male, 64% female, mean age was 44 years (SD=12.3); 12.3% of participants identified as Asian, 73.7% as white, 4.8% as black, 4.2% as Hispanic and 3.8% as other., Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: Survey items queried clinicians about knowledge, attitudes, comfort level, self-efficacy and challenges with screening and counselling AYA patients about marijuana, blunts, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah and alcohol., Results: Participants were asked what percentage of their 10-17 years old patients they screened for substance use. The median number of physicians reported screening 100% of their patients for cigarette (1st, 3rd quartiles; 80, 100) and alcohol use (75, 100) and 99.5% for marijuana use (50,100); for e-cigarettes, participants reported screening half of their patients and 0.0% (0, 50), (0, 75)) reported screening for hookah and blunts, respectively. On average (median), clinicians estimated that 15.0% of all 10-17 years old patients smoked cigarettes, 10.0% used e-cigarettes, 20.0% used marijuana, 25.0% drank alcohol and 5.0% used hookah or blunts, respectively; yet they estimated lower than national rates of use of each product for their own patients. Clinicians reported greater comfort discussing cigarettes and alcohol with patients and less comfort discussing e-cigarettes, hookah, marijuana and blunts., Conclusions: This study identified low rates of screening and counselling AYA patients for use of e-cigarettes, hookahs and blunts by adolescent healthcare clinicians and points to potential missed opportunities to improve prevention efforts., Competing Interests: Competing interests: BH-F is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against e-cigarette companies and is an unpaid scientific advisor and expert witness regarding some tobacco-related policies. None of the other authors have any conflicting interests., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2022
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36. Tobacco product use and the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19: current understanding and recommendations for future research.
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Benowitz NL, Goniewicz ML, Halpern-Felsher B, Krishnan-Sarin S, Ling PM, O'Connor RJ, Pentz MA, Robertson RM, and Bhatnagar A
- Subjects
- Adult, Humans, Pandemics, SARS-CoV-2, Tobacco Use, COVID-19, Tobacco Products adverse effects
- Abstract
Heterogeneity in the clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 progression underscores the urgent need to identify individual-level susceptibility factors that affect infection vulnerability and disease severity. Tobacco product use is a potential susceptibility factor. In this Personal View, we provide an overview of the findings of peer-reviewed, published studies relating tobacco product use to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcomes, with most studies focusing on cigarette smoking in adults. Findings pertaining to the effects of tobacco product use on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection are inconsistent. However, evidence supports a role for cigarette smoking in increasing the risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission, progression in disease severity, and COVID-19-related mortality. We discuss the potential effects of tobacco use behaviour on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection, and highlight the pathophysiological changes associated with cigarette smoking that could promote SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased disease severity. We consider the biological mechanisms by which nicotine and other tobacco product constituents might affect immune and inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we identify current knowledge gaps and suggest priorities for research to address acute and post-acute health outcomes of COVID-19 during and after the pandemic., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests NLB reports honoraria from McGraw Hill (for a chapter on “Antihypertensive agents” in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology) and Wolters Kluwer (for a chapter on the “Cardiovascular effects of nicotine” in UpToDate), payment for expert testimony against tobacco companies, and consulting fees from Pfizer and Achieve Life Sciences. NLB and MLG were speakers at the 2017 Global Nicotine Forum; they received no reimbursement from the tobacco industry for this role and the conference received no sponsorship from tobacco companies, e-cigarette companies, or the pharmaceutical industry. MLG reports ad-hoc consultancy fees from WHO, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the University of South Carolina, and the University of North Carolina; honoraria for lectures from the University of Rochester, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the University of South Carolina; reimbursement for travel from WHO and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer; and consultancy fees from Johnson & Johnson. MLG has a leadership role as a member of the Tobacco Products and Cancer Subcommittee of the American Association for Cancer Research and is a member of the Tobacco Control and Cessation Committee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. SK-S is the President of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. PML is a member of the California Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee. BH-F reports payment for expert testimony in e-cigarette litigations and volunteer membership on the board for Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes. RJO'C reports consultancy fees from the National Institutes of Health, WHO, Georgetown University, and the FDA; he also reports payment from the British Medical Journal for his work as Senior Editor, and support for travel and meeting attendance from WHO, the FDA, and Georgetown University. MAP, RMR, and AB declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2022
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37. Day-to-Day Decision Making by Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.
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Pyke-Grimm KA, Franck LS, Halpern-Felsher B, Goldsby RE, and Rehm RS
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- Adolescent, Adult, Anthropology, Cultural, Child, Decision Making, Health Personnel, Humans, Young Adult, Medical Oncology, Neoplasms therapy
- Abstract
Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer must negotiate the transition between childhood and adulthood while dealing with a life-threatening illness. AYA involvement in decision making varies depending on the type of decision and when decisions occur during treatment, and evidence suggests that AYAs want to be involved in decision making. Objective: To explore involvement of AYAs with cancer in day-to-day decisions affected by their cancer and treatment. Methods: This qualitative study used interpretive focused ethnography within the sociologic tradition, informed by symbolic interactionism. Semi-structured interviews and informal participant observation took place at two quaternary pediatric oncology programs. Results: Thirty-one interviews were conducted with 16 AYAs ages 15 to 20 years. Major day to day decision-making categories identified included: (1) mental mindset, (2) self-care practices, (3) self-advocacy, and (4) negotiating relationships. Participants described how they came to grips with their illness early on and decided to fight their cancer. They described decisions they made to protect their health, how they advocated for themselves and decisions they made about relationships with family and friends. Conclusions: Through day-to-day decisions, participants managed the impact of cancer and its treatment on their daily lives. Research should focus on developing and implementing interventions to empower AYAs to participate in day-to-day decisions that will affect how they manage their cancer, its treatment and ultimately their outcomes. Implications for Practice: Healthcare providers can facilitate AYA's participation in day-to-day decision making through encouraging autonomy and self-efficacy by providing support and through effective communication.
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- 2022
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38. Sources of flavoured e-cigarettes among California youth and young adults: associations with local flavoured tobacco sales restrictions.
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Gaiha SM, Henriksen L, Halpern-Felsher B, Rogers T, Feld AL, Gaber J, and Andersen-Rodgers E
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- Adolescent, Adult, California, Flavoring Agents, Humans, Young Adult, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products, Vaping
- Abstract
Purpose: This study compares access to flavoured JUUL and other e-cigarettes from retail, online and social sources among underage and young adult e-cigarette users who live in California jurisdictions that restrict sales of flavoured tobacco with the rest of the state., Methods: An online survey used social media advertisements to recruit participants (n=3075, ages 15-29) who lived in one of nine jurisdictions that restrict sales (n=1539) or in the rest of state, and oversampled flavoured tobacco users. Focusing on past-month e-cigarette users (n=908), multilevel models tested whether access to flavoured JUUL and other e-cigarettes from retail, online and social sources differed by local law (yes/no) and age group (15-20 or older), controlling for other individual characteristics., Results: The percent of underage users who obtained flavoured JUUL and other e-cigarettes in the past month was 33.6% and 31.2% from retail, 11.6% and 12.7% online, and 76.0% and 70.9% from social sources, respectively. Compared with underage and young adult users in the rest of California, those in localities that restrict the sales of flavoured tobacco were less likely to obtain flavoured JUUL from retail sources (Adjusted OR=0.54, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.80), but more likely to obtain it from social sources (Adjusted OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.35). The same pattern was observed for other brands of flavoured e-cigarettes., Conclusion: Although local laws may reduce access to flavoured e-cigarettes from retail sources, more comprehensive state or federal restrictions are recommended to close the loopholes for online sources. Dedicated efforts to curtail access from social sources are needed., Competing Interests: Competing interests: BH-F provides expert witness testimony for some e-cigarette litigation., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2022
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39. Adolescents' and young adults' perceptions of risks and benefits differ by type of cannabis products.
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Nguyen N, Wong M, Delucchi K, and Halpern-Felsher B
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- Adolescent, Female, Humans, Male, Risk Assessment, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, Adolescent Behavior psychology, Cannabis, Hallucinogens
- Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis use patterns among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have changed recently, with increasing use of non-combustible cannabis products. Little is known about perceived risks or benefits related to non-combustible products (e.g., vaporized and edible cannabis). We examined whether AYAs' perceived risks and benefits differ across four cannabis products, and by use status., Methods: We conducted a survey of 433 California AYAs (M
age = 18.9 years old, 66.5% females) during 2017-2018. We compared a variety of perceived risks and benefits corresponding to short-term and long-term use of each product (combustible, blunt, vaporized, and edible cannabis), and between ever and never users., Results: Participants perceived combustible cannabis and blunts conferred the greatest risk for short-term (bad cough, trouble catching breath) and long-term (lung disease, oral and lung cancer, and heart attack) health outcomes and short-term social risks (friends upset, getting into trouble). These products were also perceived to have greater short-term and long-term benefits (i.e., reducing mental health problems) than vaporized and edible cannabis. The most common perceived risks were "get into trouble" and "become addicted." The most common benefits were "feel high or buzzed" and "feel less anxious." Ever cannabis users perceived less risks and greater benefits related to cannabis use than never users., Conclusions: AYAs differentially perceived risks and benefits related to use of four cannabis products. Public health and education efforts should address both perceived and real risks and benefits of specific cannabis products to prevent cannabis use among AYAs., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2022
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40. Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults Continue to Use E-Cigarette Devices and Flavors Two Years after FDA Discretionary Enforcement.
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McCauley DM, Gaiha SM, Lempert LK, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Commerce, Cross-Sectional Studies, Flavoring Agents, Humans, Young Adult, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products, Vaping epidemiology
- Abstract
This study assesses the use of e-cigarette devices and flavors using a large, cross-sectional survey of adolescents, young adults, and adults (N = 6131; ages 13−40 years old; Mage = 21.9) conducted from November to December 2021, 22 months after the FDA announced its prioritized enforcement policy against some flavored pod/cartridge-based e-cigarettes. We analyzed the patterns of use by age group: adolescents and young adults (AYAs) under 21 (minimum age of e-cigarette sales), young adults (21−24 years old), and adults (25−40 years old). The participants reported using e-cigarettes ever (44.2% < 21; 67.1% 21−24; 58.0% > 24), in the past 30 days (29.8% < 21; 52.6% 21−24; 43.3% > 24), and in the past 7 days (24.5% < 21; 43.9% 21−24; 36.5% > 24). Disposables were the most used e-cigarette device type across age groups (39.1% < 21; 36.9% 21−24; 34.5% > 24). Fruit, sweet, mint, and menthol flavors were popular across age groups; however, chi-squared tests for trends in proportions revealed age-related trends in past 30-day flavor use by device type. Findings suggest current AYA e-cigarette use may be higher than recorded by the NYTS 2021. The FDA, states, and localities should adopt more comprehensive restrictions on flavored e-cigarette products in order to reduce adolescent and young adult e-cigarette use.
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- 2022
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41. School-based programs to prevent adolescent e-cigarette use: A report card.
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Liu J, Gaiha SM, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Humans, Schools, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Vaping prevention & control
- Abstract
Given high rates and known health consequences of adolescent e-cigarette use as well as adolescents' susceptibility to nicotine addiction, school-based efforts to prevent and reduce adolescent e-cigarette use should continue to be developed, implemented, disseminated, and evaluated. This paper elaborates on best practices for developing and implementing prevention programs, including the importance of grounding programs in theories and frameworks that empower adolescents, including normative and interactive education, and having programs that are easily accessible and free of cost. Programs should also address key factors driving adolescent e-cigarette use, including discussing misperceptions, flavors, nicotine content, addiction, and the role that marketing plays in appealing to adolescents. The paper also discusses the gap areas of currently available prevention programs and highlights the need for evidence-based approaches and the importance of rigorous evaluation of programs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Dr. Halpern-Felsher is the Founder and Executive Director of the Tobacco Prevention Toolkit. She is also a paid expert scientist in some litigation against e-cigarette companies and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert witness regarding some tobacco-related policies. Ms. Liu and Dr. Gaiha have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2022
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42. Youth perceptions of e-cigarette-related risk of lung issues and association with e-cigarette use.
- Author
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Gaiha SM, Epperson AE, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Lung, Male, Young Adult, COVID-19 epidemiology, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Vaping adverse effects, Vaping epidemiology, Vaping psychology
- Abstract
Objective: E-cigarette use is associated with increased risk of negative health outcomes, including respiratory problems such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) continue to use e-cigarettes at alarming rates. We examined AYA's perceptions of the health harms of e-cigarettes in relation to respiratory problems and the associations between these perceptions and e-cigarette use., Method: In May 2020, we conducted an online, national cross-sectional survey of AYAs aged 13 to 24 years old ( N = 4,315; 65% female; 50% ever-users, 50% never-users) to assess e-cigarette use and perceptions of the risk of respiratory problems, COVID-19, and severe lung disease for AYAs with different levels of e-cigarette use., Results: In comparisons between AYAs with different levels of e-cigarette use, e-cigarette-related health risk perceptions were lower among ever-users compared to never-users and among ever-users who used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days compared to ever-users who did not use in the past 30 days. After controlling for demographics, AYAs were less likely to have used in the past 30 days if they agreed that young people are at risk of respiratory problems due to e-cigarette use (adjusted Odds Ratio [a OR ] = .68, 95% confidence interval [CI; .59, .78]) and e-cigarettes are harmful for their health (a OR = .52, 95% CI [.30, .90]). AYAs were more likely to have used in the past 30 days if they believed that there is no hard evidence that e-cigarette use with nicotine increases risk of severe lung disease (a OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.42, 1.82]) and that e-cigarette use is safer than smoking cigarettes (a OR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.11, 1.42])., Conclusions: Among AYAs who had ever used e-cigarettes, those who did not believe that e-cigarette use increases the risks of respiratory problems were more likely to have used e-cigarettes in the past month. To bridge the gap between youth perceptions and emerging scientific evidence on e-cigarette-related health risks, prevention messaging should seek to explain how e-cigarette use is linked to respiratory problems and could affect COVID-19 outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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- 2022
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43. Impact of Local Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions on Policy-Related Attitudes and Tobacco Product Access.
- Author
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Feld AL, Rogers T, Gaber J, Pikowski J, Farrelly MC, Henriksen L, Johnson TO, Halpern-Felsher B, Andersen-Rodgers E, and Zhang X
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Attitude, Flavoring Agents, Humans, Menthol, Policy, Young Adult, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products
- Abstract
Background: As of September 2020, more than 300 state and local jurisdictions restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, with some including menthol., Aims: To evaluate the impact of local ordinances restricting the sale of flavored tobacco, we surveyed Californians regarding policy support and perceived access to flavored tobacco., Methods: In 2019, we conducted an online survey of 3,075 California youth and young adults recruited via social media, about half of whom lived in a policy jurisdiction. Logistic regressions assessed differences on propensity score-weighted outcomes, policy support, and perceived access., Results: Most respondents indicated agreement with almost all policy support statements. Although policy respondents were less likely than rest-of-California respondents to report perceived difficulty in buying flavored cigars, flavored vape users in policy jurisdictions were more likely than those in the rest of California to report perceived difficulty in buying flavored e-liquid. Regardless of jurisdiction, certain priority subgroups were significantly more likely to report perceived difficulty in accessing flavored cigars, flavored vaping products, flavored e-liquid, and menthol cigarettes., Discussion: With some exceptions, these findings demonstrate that among vape users in policy jurisdictions and priority subgroups, there is a higher likelihood of reporting perceived difficulty to access flavored tobacco products., Conclusions: Findings might be an early indication of shifts in social norms about flavored tobacco products in California, which could gain traction as local sales restriction ordinances proliferate throughout the state and a statewide flavored-tobacco sales restriction goes into effect.
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- 2022
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44. Preferences, use, and perceived access to flavored e-cigarettes among United States adolescents and young adults.
- Author
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Chaffee BW, Halpern-Felsher B, Croker JA, Werts M, Couch ET, and Cheng J
- Abstract
Background: Citing concern over youth use, the Food and Drug Administration announced a prioritized enforcement policy against cartridge-based (reusable pod) e-cigarettes in non-menthol, non-tobacco flavors, effective February 2020. Data are needed regarding youth e-cigarette access and use behaviors following this policy., Methods: This cross-sectional national (USA) online panel survey, conducted March/April 2021, included 2253 participants ages 14-20 who ever used e-cigarettes ≥3 times (73% past 30-day users). Participants reported their flavor preferences, use reasons, and perceived ease of access. Latent class analysis categorized participants according to their preferred e-cigarette flavors, and multinominal logistic regression identified sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of class membership., Results: Most past 30-day e-cigarette users used reusable pod (77%) or modern disposable (68%) devices, ≥1 non-tobacco (92%), sweet (76%), and/or menthol flavors including fruit-ice (70%) (flavor and device categories not mutually exclusive). Most past 30-day users (70%) and non-users (63%) perceived it would be somewhat or very easy to acquire e-cigarettes in flavors they like. Latent class analysis identified four e-cigarette flavor preference classes: mint (34% of sample), no preference (29%), fruit/sweet (28%), and dislikes ≥1 flavor (10%). Relative to no preference, membership in fruit/sweet (RRR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.57) and mint (RRR: 3.85; 95% CI: 2.77, 5.36) classes was associated with using e-cigarettes ≥50 times. Fruit/sweet membership was inversely associated with combustible tobacco use (RRR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.66)., Conclusion: Young e-cigarette users maintained ample access to flavored and cartridge-based products. Stronger access restrictions and enforcement are required to reduce youth e-cigarette use., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Dr. Halpern-Felsher is a paid expert scientist in some litigation against some e-cigarette companies and an unpaid scientific advisor and expert witness regarding some tobacco-related policies. The remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this research.
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- 2022
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45. Nicotine Dependence from Different E-Cigarette Devices and Combustible Cigarettes among US Adolescent and Young Adult Users.
- Author
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Lin C, Gaiha SM, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Humans, Young Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Nicotine, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products, Tobacco Use Disorder diagnosis, Tobacco Use Disorder epidemiology
- Abstract
E-cigarettes, the most popular tobacco product among adolescents, vary widely in design and nicotine composition; thus, different devices may have different addictive potential. However, few studies examine levels of nicotine dependence across devices among adolescent and young adult (AYA) e-cigarette users. To assess the extent of nicotine dependence among US AYA (ages 13-24) by e-cigarette device type, we conducted a large, national, cross-sectional survey ( n = 4351) and used the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) to assess levels of nicotine dependence among those who had used disposable, pod-based, and/or mods/other e-cigarette devices in the past 30 days. We also examined HONC scores among those who had used combustible cigarettes in the past 30 days, whether with or without using e-cigarettes. Patterns of nicotine dependence were comparable across those who had used a combustible cigarette and/or e-cigarette in the past 30 days, with 91.4% of combustible cigarette users, 80.7% of disposable e-cigarette users, 83.1% of pod-based e-cigarette users, and 82.5% of mods/other e-cigarette users showing signs of nicotine dependence, as measured by endorsing at least one HONC symptom. This pattern persisted when analyses were restricted to e-cigarette only users, with more than 70% of all e-cigarette only past-30-day users endorsing at least one HONC symptom, across all types of devices. A thorough understanding of the extent and presentation of nicotine dependence among AYA will help researchers, public health officials, and clinicians recognize and manage AYA nicotine dependence.
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- 2022
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46. Use Patterns, Flavors, Brands, and Ingredients of Nonnicotine e-Cigarettes Among Adolescents, Young Adults, and Adults in the United States.
- Author
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Gaiha SM, Lin C, Lempert LK, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Flavoring Agents, Humans, Menthol, Nicotine, Surveys and Questionnaires, United States epidemiology, Young Adult, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Vaping epidemiology
- Abstract
Importance: Nonnicotine e-cigarettes contain chemicals, flavorants, and solvents that have known health harms and/or have not been proven safe for inhalation., Objective: To evaluate nonnicotine e-cigarette use patterns, including common flavors, brands, and ingredients., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of US residents aged 13 to 40 years who completed an online survey in November and December 2021. Quota sampling was used for an equal proportion of participants aged 13 to 17 years, 18 to 20 years, and 21 to 40 years, balanced for sex, race, and ethnicity per the latest US Census., Main Outcomes and Measures: Nonnicotine e-cigarette use (ever, past 30- and past 7-day, number of times used, time taken to finish); co-use with nicotine e-cigarettes; age at first try; and flavors, brands, and ingredients used., Results: Overall, 6131 participants (mean [SD] age, 21.9 [6.8] years; range, 13-40 years; 3454 [56.3%] identifying as female) completed the survey (55.1% completion rate). Among all participants, 1590 (25.9%) had ever used a nonnicotine e-cigarette, 1021 (16.7%) used one in the past 30 days, and 760 (12.4%) used one in the past 7 days. By age group, 227 of 1630 participants aged 13 to 17 years (13.9%), 497 of 2033 participants aged 18 to 20 years (24.4%), 399 of 1041 participants aged 21 to 24 years (38.3%), and 467 of 1427 participants aged 25 to 40 years (32.7%) had ever used nonnicotine e-cigarettes. Among 1590 participants who had ever used a nonnicotine e-cigarette, 549 (34.5%) had used one more than 10 times; 1017 (63.9%) finished 1 nonnicotine e-cigarette in less than 1 week. Co-use of nonnicotine with nicotine e-cigarettes was reported by 1155 participants (18.8%), 1363 (22.2%) exclusively used nicotine e-cigarettes, and 431 (7.0%) exclusively used nonnicotine e-cigarettes. Most-used flavors were sweet, dessert, or candy (578 [36.3%]); fruit (532 [33.4%]); and mint or menthol (321 [20.2%]); similar flavor patterns were observed for the top 2 flavors among those who used nonnicotine e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, followed by combinations of coffee, alcohol, flower, plant, and mint or menthol flavors by age group. Participants most reported using tetrahydrocannabinol (587 [36.9%]), cannabidiol (537 [33.7%]), melatonin (438 [27.5%]), caffeine (428 [26.9%]), and essential oils (364 [22.9%]) in their nonnicotine e-cigarettes., Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of adolescents, young adults, and adults, a sizeable proportion reported having used nonnicotine e-cigarettes and co-using them with nicotine e-cigarettes. Surveillance studies should further assess nonnicotine e-cigarette use patterns and regulations, and prevention should be developed to address youth appeal, unsubstantiated health claims, and possible health harms.
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- 2022
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47. Biomarkers of nicotine exposure correlate with the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist among adolescents in California, United States.
- Author
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Chaffee BW, Halpern-Felsher B, Jacob P 3rd, and St Helen G
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Biomarkers, California epidemiology, Checklist, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Nicotine, United States, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products
- Abstract
Background: The Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) has been used to assess nicotine dependence (loss of autonomy over tobacco) among adolescents. Existing HONC validation studies for non-cigarette products, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), have generally not considered biomarkers of nicotine exposure., Methods: Within a cross-sectional sample of California (USA) high school students (total N = 1396; mean age 15.2 years; 56% female; 54% Hispanic/Latinx), self-reported past 30-day users of any tobacco (including e-cigarettes) completed a modified 10-item HONC questionnaire and provided saliva samples (N = 318 samples, including N = 234 exclusive past 30-day e-cigarette users). Samples were analyzed for cotinine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (lower limit of quantification: 1.0 ng/mL)., Results: Across four categories of HONC score corresponding to an increasing number of reported dependence symptoms (scores: 0, 1, 2-4, 5-10), the prevalence of quantifiable salivary cotinine increased among past 30-day tobacco users (20%, 21%, 38%, 55%, respectively, P-for-trend < 0.001) and among past 30-day exclusive e-cigarette users (15%, 22%, 31%, 42%, respectively, P-for-trend = 0.001). Among participants with quantifiable cotinine levels, HONC total score and cotinine were positively correlated among past 30-day tobacco users (n = 89; Spearman rho = 0.449; P < 0.001) and past 30-day exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 49; Spearman rho = 0.520; P < 0.001). HONC score was also associated with past 30-day frequency of tobacco product use and reported use of tobacco within 30 min of waking., Conclusions: These results support the validity of HONC to assess nicotine dependence among adolescents. Dependence symptoms may be experienced at low levels of nicotine exposure., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2022
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48. "So Why Should I Call Them?": Survivor Support Service Characteristics as Drivers of Help-Seeking in India.
- Author
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Newberry JA, Kaur J, Gurrapu S, Behl R, Darmstadt GL, Halpern-Felsher B, Rao GVR, Mahadevan SV, and Strehlow MC
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Police, Prevalence, Survivors, Violence, Help-Seeking Behavior, Intimate Partner Violence
- Abstract
Women in South Asia face the highest lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence in the world, which is just one form of violence against women (VAW). In India, few women seek help after experiencing violence, particularly from formal resources, such as physicians or the police. While many studies have investigated the impact of survivor characteristics and patterns of violence on help-seeking behaviors, there is scant research on support service characteristics and their impact on help-seeking. The introduction of a novel crisis helpline in Gujarat, India provided an opportunity to better understand how successful help-seeking can be driven by the perceived and experienced characteristics of the helpline. We conducted in-depth interviews with helpline users to identify factors and pathways that promoted or discouraged help-seeking in general, help-seeking from a formal source, and help-seeking from this particular helpline. We analyzed 32 interviews of women who used the helpline. Participants were from eight districts across the state, representing a diverse range of sociodemographic backgrounds. After conducting a thematic analysis, we found that action-oriented service, timeliness, and women-focused staff influenced (positively and negatively) participants' feelings of safety, empowerment, and trust in the helpline, which ultimately impacted their decision to seek help from the helpline or even to seek help at all. This study illuminates how service characteristics, in and of themselves, can influence the likelihood that survivors will seek help, emphasizing the need for survivors to have a voice in the growth and refinement of VAW support services. Consequently, these areas must be a focus of future research and initiatives to improve help-seeking by VAW survivors.
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- 2022
- Full Text
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49. E-cigarette devices, brands, and flavors attract youth: Informing FDA's policies and priorities to close critical gaps.
- Author
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Gaiha SM, Lempert LK, McKelvey K, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Policy, United States, United States Food and Drug Administration, Young Adult, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Flavoring Agents, Tobacco Products, Vaping
- Abstract
Purpose: Identify e-cigarette devices, brands, and flavor types used by adolescents and young adults soon after the enactment of flavor restrictions, youth access laws, FDA's enforcement prioritization against some flavored pod/cartridge-based e-cigarettes, and during COVID-19 pandemic-related school closures., Methods: National cross-sectional online survey (N = 4,351) in May 2020 assessed popularity, ever- and past-30-day use of e-cigarette device types (pod/cartridge-based, disposables, others), brands, flavor types and flavor-enhancers, by age group (under age 21 and 21 and over)., Results: While pod/cartridge-based e-cigarettes had the highest ever-use (82.7% <21; 69.8% ≥21) and were most often-used (41.9% <21; 41.4% ≥21), most past 30-day-users (50.8% <21; 61.9% ≥21) and 7-day-users (36.0% <21; 56.7% ≥21) used disposables. Mint/menthol was the most-used flavor type (pod/cartridge-based: 48.2% <21, 48.1% ≥21; disposables: 51.6% <21, 56.4% ≥21), followed by fruit (pod/cartridge-based: 37.4% <21, 35.5%≥ 21; disposables: 51.6% >21, 46.2% ≥ 21), and sweet/dessert/candy flavor types (pod/cartridge-based: 24.4% <21, 24.7% ≥21; disposables: 29.7% <21, 33.8% ≥21). Participants reported using add-on e-cigarette flavor-enhancers (pod/cartridge-based: 24.6%; disposables: 31.3%)., Conclusion: Soon after FDA's January 2020 announcement of prioritized enforcement against flavored pod/cartridge-based e-cigarettes and during the pandemic lockdown, adolescents' and young adults' past 30-day use included mostly flavored disposables rather than pod/cartridge-based e-cigarettes, mint/menthol flavors, and some used add-on flavor enhancers. To reduce youth use, comprehensive regulation of e-cigarette devices and flavors should be enacted and enforced at federal, state, and local levels., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
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- 2022
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50. Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Adolescents' and Young Adults' Susceptibility, Use, and Intended Future Use of Different E-Cigarette Devices.
- Author
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Gaiha SM, Rao P, and Halpern-Felsher B
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Humans, Intention, Male, Sociodemographic Factors, Young Adult, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Tobacco Products, Vaping
- Abstract
Numerous studies have identified sociodemographic factors associated with susceptibility, ever-use and past-30-day use of e-cigarettes, including JUUL. However, it remains unknown which sociodemographic factors are associated with adolescents' and young adults' (AYA) use of the entire spectrum of different types of e-cigarette devices (e.g., disposables, pod/cartridge-based, and other e-cigarettes, like mods or tanks). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and use, future use intent and susceptibility to use different e-cigarette device types. We conducted a national online survey using a convenience sample of 13-24-year-olds, 50:50 e-cigarette ever- to never-users and sex and race/ethnicity balanced per the U.S. Census (n = 4351). Sociodemographic factors were not associated with ever use of disposables among AYAs or generally with intent to use e-cigarette devices in the future. However, sociodemographic factors were related to the use of pod/cartridge-based and other e-cigarette devices. LGBTQ+ AYAs were more likely to use pod/cartridge-based devices and to be susceptible to using all device types compared to other AYAs. Young adults, males, and other/multiracial non-Hispanic AYAs were more likely to report past-30-day-use of all devices and AA/Black non-Hispanic AYAs were more likely to report past-30-day use of pod/cartridge-based and other devices compared to former users. AA/Black non-Hispanic AYAs were more likely to be susceptible to using all devices and other/multiracial non-Hispanic AYAs were susceptible to using other devices (compared to White non-Hispanic AYAs). AYAs under 21 who were former users were more likely to intend using other devices in the future compared to AYAs 21 years or above. These findings may inform targeted prevention efforts to curb the growing popularity of different devices among AYAs.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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