Heated Tobacco Products: Awareness and Ever Use Among U.S. Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Heated tobacco products, also referred to as heat-not-burn tobacco, are among the latest products introduced to the market by the tobacco industry. However, data on heated tobacco product awareness and use from population-based probability surveys are limited. This study examines heated tobacco product awareness and ever use among U.S. adults.

Methods: This study used data (n=42,477) from the 2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey, analyzed in 2020. Descriptive statistics, including a weighted prevalence of heated tobacco product awareness and ever use, were estimated. The awareness and ever use of heated tobacco products were also estimated by age, sex, cigarette smoking status, E-cigarette use status, and other tobacco product use status. Multivariable logistic regression examined the individual characteristics associated with the awareness and ever use of heated tobacco products.

Results: Overall, approximately 8.6% of U.S. adults were aware of heated tobacco products. Awareness was higher among participants who were younger, male, cigarette smokers, E-cigarette users, and other tobacco product users. Ever use of heated tobacco products was uncommon among U.S. adults (0.51%) but more prevalent among E-cigarette users and cigarette smokers. In the general adult populations, the odds of ever use of heated tobacco products were significantly higher among cigarette smokers (AOR=2.19, 95% CI=1.63, 2.94), E-cigarette smokers (AOR=2.70, 95% CI=1.71, 4.25), and other tobacco product users (AOR=1.69, 95% CI=1.30, 2.20).

Conclusions: Although the ever use of heated tobacco products is uncommon among U.S. adults, recent regulatory approval of the marketing of IQOS as modified risk tobacco products may increase use. Therefore, ongoing monitoring of heated tobacco products use and their long-term health consequences are important for informing future decision making.