Title | Puff Bars, Tobacco Policy Evasion, and Nicotine Dependence: Content Analysis of Tweets. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Chu, K-H, Hershey, TB, Hoffman, BL, Wolynn, R, Colditz, JB, Sidani, JE, Primack, BA |
Journal | J Med Internet Res |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | e27894 |
Date Published | 03/2022 |
ISSN | 1438-8871 |
Keywords | Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Humans, Public Policy, Social Media, Tobacco, Tobacco Use Disorder |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Puff Bars are e-cigarettes that continued marketing flavored products by exploiting the US Food and Drug Administration exemption for disposable devices. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine discussions related to Puff Bar on Twitter to identify tobacco regulation and policy themes as well as unanticipated outcomes of regulatory loopholes. METHODS: Of 8519 original tweets related to Puff Bar collected from July 13, 2020, to August 13, 2020, a random 20% subsample (n=2661) was selected for qualitative coding of topics related to nicotine dependence and tobacco policy. RESULTS: Of the human-coded tweets, 2123 (80.2%) were coded as relevant to Puff Bar as the main topic. Of those tweets, 698 (32.9%) discussed tobacco policy, including flavors (n=320, 45.9%), regulations (n=124, 17.8%), purchases (n=117, 16.8%), and other products (n=110, 15.8%). Approximately 22% (n=480) of the tweets referenced dependence, including lack of access (n=273, 56.9%), appetite suppression (n=59, 12.3%), frequent use (n=47, 9.8%), and self-reported dependence (n=110, 22.9%). CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the growing evidence base that the US Food and Drug Administration ban of e-cigarette flavors did not reduce interest, but rather shifted the discussion to brands utilizing a loophole that allowed flavored products to continue to be sold in disposable devices. Until comprehensive tobacco policy legislation is developed, new products or loopholes will continue to supply nicotine demand. |
DOI | 10.2196/27894 |
Alternate Journal | J Med Internet Res |
PubMed ID | 35333188 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC8994141 |
Grant List | R01 CA225773 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States |