Awareness and use of dissolvable tobacco products in the United States

Introduction: Little is known about dissolvable tobacco products (DTPs) compared with other alternative tobacco products (ATPs) like e-cigarettes and snus. We sought to understand US adults' awareness and use of DTPs. Methods: A nationally representative sample of US adults (age = 18 years, N = 17 522) completed an online survey in March 2013 assessing their awareness and use of DTPs. Results: Approximately 16% of all respondents were aware of DTPs. Few reported ever using DTPs (1.6%). DTP awareness among all respondents was greatest among males, younger adults, current and former smokers, never married respondents, blacks and Latinos, and those who used other ATPs. Among current smokers, DTP awareness was greatest for males, younger adults, blacks and Latinos, those who used other ATPs, and Southerners. DTP use among all respondents was greatest among males, younger adults, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) respondents, former and current smokers, and those who used other ATPs. Among current smokers, DTP use was greatest among males, younger adults, LGBT respondents, those who used other ATPs, those who intended to quit, and those who received medical advice to quit. Conclusions: DTP awareness and use have increased since 2009. DTPs are being used as smoking cessation aids thereby increasing risk of polytobacco use. Medical professionals should emphasize use of empirically-supported smoking cessation aids when advising patients to quit. Regulations are needed to prevent tobacco company promotion of DTPs as smoking cessation aids and to inform consumers of the risks associated with DTPs and polytobacco use. Increased national surveillance of DTP use is recommended.