SC Connecticut News

Yale researchers have uncovered factors associated with multiple nicotine product use in adolescents, aiming to prevent escalation from single to multiple product use. Patricia Simon, lead author of the study, highlighted the negative consequences of using multiple nicotine products, such as increased nicotine dependence and mortality. The findings were published in the journal Preventative Medicine on April 24.

The study, based on data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, analyzed over 10,000 individuals aged 12 to 17. Ralitza Gueorguieva, a coauthor of the study, noted that personal, familial, and environmental factors play a role in nicotine product use among youth. Factors such as sleep problems, anxiety, lack of communication with parents about tobacco, and exposure to tobacco advertisements were found to contribute to nicotine use.

Elina Stefanovics, another coauthor, emphasized the importance of differentiating between adolescents who use single products versus multiple products. The research revealed that those using multiple products were more likely to be male, older (15-17 years old), and had previously used nicotine products. Additionally, individuals using multiple products perceived them as less harmful compared to those using a single product.

Eugenia Buta, a research scientist at the Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, highlighted the significance of the study in shaping interventions to prevent both the initiation and escalation of nicotine product use among adolescents. By understanding the contributing factors, researchers aim to develop more effective public health strategies and regulatory policies to reduce the prevalence of multiple nicotine product use among youth.

The study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), among others. The researchers believe that their findings will provide valuable insights for regulators, clinicians, and prevention scientists in addressing youth nicotine use.

Shiyao Ying and Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin were also coauthors of the study, which sheds light on crucial aspects of youth nicotine use and aims to guide efforts in preventing its harmful consequences.