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Starr R, Murray K, Chaiton M. The Compassion Club: A New Proposal for Transformation of Tobacco Retail. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1822-1828. [PMID: 36591922 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One major assumption in the current tobacco industry is the distribution of tobacco products through a system of commercial for-profit retail. However, other models of distribution that do not rely on this mechanism exist. AIMS AND METHODS In this review, we examine the potential of a nonprofit Compassion Club model and discuss how the current existence of independent vape stores might provide the infrastructure to allow the transformation of tobacco distribution. RESULTS Compassion Clubs exist internationally with different levels of regulation and legality and have generally been focused on the distribution of illegal drugs or hard-to-access pharmaceuticals. They provide access to drugs for existing users, limit access by novices, limit negative impacts from illicit markets, and provide social support focused on reducing harms associated with drug use. CONCLUSIONS With decreasing prevalence of tobacco use in many countries and growing interest in a tobacco endgame, a Compassion Club model of distribution could help transition tobacco away from the model of commercial widely available distribution. More work is needed to develop the regulations and policies that might guide a compassion club model. IMPLICATIONS Compassion clubs are a model for the distribution of psychoactive substances that are focused on harm reduction and social support rather than profit. There has been little discussion about the possibility that this promising model could be applied to help transform the tobacco industry. Many independent vape stores already demonstrate aspects of the compassion club model that could be used to support a transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven Starr
- Department of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kim Murray
- Former Vape Store owner, Brainerd, MN, United States
| | - Michael Chaiton
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, Toronto, Canada
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Seale E, Sturrock SL, Widener MJ, Myran DT. The availability and distribution of vaping retailers across Ontario neighbourhoods, 2016-2019. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:493-501. [PMID: 36574202 PMCID: PMC10283501 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00718-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize the distribution of vaping retailers and examine the association between neighbourhood income and vaping retailer availability in Ontario prior to and after regulatory changes to the vaping market in 2018. METHODS We quantified vaping access by number of vaping retailers for 19,964 dissemination areas (DAs) in Ontario and percentage of schools near a vaping retailer. We used mixed-effects regression models to examine the associations between vaping access and neighbourhood income in 2018 and 2019. RESULTS Between 2016 and 2019, the number of vaping retailers in Ontario increased by 22.6% (5999 to 7355), despite a mild drop from 2016 to 2018. In 2019, 59.7% of urban neighbourhoods had one or more vaping retailers within 1000 m of their geographic centre, and 79.4% of elementary, 82.8% of secondary, and 84.2% of post-secondary schools had at least one within 1000 m. Neighbourhood income was associated with access to vaping retailers, with a greater number in low-income regions. In 2019, neighbourhoods in the lowest income quintile had over twice the number of vaping retailers per capita within 1000 m compared to the highest income quintile (adjusted incidence rate ratio 2.40; 95% CI 2.24-2.58). Increases over time in access to vaping retailers did not differ by geographic region, neighbourhood income quintile, or school type. CONCLUSION We observed a substantial increase in access to vaping retailers in Ontario including proximity to elementary and secondary schools following the 2018 provincial marketing regulations and federal nicotine regulations. Access to vaping was greatest in low-income neighbourhoods and may contribute to established inequities in vaping-related adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Seale
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shelby L Sturrock
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Widener
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Geography and Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel T Myran
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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van der Eijk Y, Tan Ping Ping G, Ong SE, Tan Li Xin G, Li D, Zhang D, Min Shuen L, Kee Seng C. E-Cigarette Markets and Policy Responses in Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:1616-1624. [PMID: 33906338 PMCID: PMC9808234 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global e-cigarette market has proliferated and is increasingly dominated by transnational tobacco companies. While Southeast Asian countries have received relatively little attention in e-cigarette research, the region represents an area of potentially untapped growth for the industry. We review the e-cigarette situation in Southeast Asia in terms of the e-cigarette markets, advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes, reported health impacts of e-cigarette use, and policy responses in the region. METHODS We examined e-cigarette market data from the Euromonitor Global Market Information Database (GMID) Passport database, searched in the academic literature, grey literature and news archives for any reports or studies of e-cigarette related diseases or injuries, e-cigarette marketing, and e-cigarette policy responses in Southeast Asian countries, and browsed the websites of online e-cigarette retailers catering to the region's active e-cigarette markets. RESULTS In 2019, e-cigarettes were sold in six Southeast Asian markets with a total market value of $595 million, projected to grow to $766 million by 2023. E-commerce is a significant and growing sales channel in the region, with most of the popular or featured brands in online shops originating from China. Southeast Asian youth are targeted with a wide variety of flavours, trendy designs and point of sale promotions, and several e-cigarette related injuries and diseases have been reported in the region. Policy responses vary considerably between countries, ranging from strict bans to no or partial regulations. CONCLUSION Although Southeast Asia's e-cigarette market is relatively nascent, this is likely to change if transnationals invest more heavily in the region. Populous countries with weak e-cigarette regulations, notably Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, are desirable targets for the transnationals. Regulatory action is needed to prevent e-cigarette use from becoming entrenched into these societies, especially among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette van der Eijk
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Tan Ping Ping
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Suan Ee Ong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Research for Impact, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Grace Tan Li Xin
- Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Dijin Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Loo Min Shuen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chia Kee Seng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Saran SK, Salinas KZ, Foulds J, Kaynak Ö, Hoglen B, Houser KR, Krebs NM, Yingst JM, Allen SI, Bordner CR, Hobkirk AL. A Comparison of Vaping Behavior, Perceptions, and Dependence among Individuals Who Vape Nicotine, Cannabis, or Both. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10392. [PMID: 36012024 PMCID: PMC9408799 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Electronic delivery systems (e.g., vapes, e-cigarettes) are now popular modes of cannabis and nicotine administration that are often used by the same individuals; however, we still know little about dual nicotine and cannabis vaping. Materials & Methods: An online convenience sample of adult nicotine and/or cannabis vape users residing in the United States completed a 60 min survey on sociodemographic characteristics, cannabis and/or nicotine vape use behaviors and dependence, reasons for vape use, and perceptions of benefits and harms. After data cleaning, we compared dual vs. nicotine-only and cannabis-only vape users with univariate statistics and step-wise hierarchical linear regression analyses. Additionally, we assessed the factor structure, internal consistency, and criterion and convergent validity of the Penn State Cannabis Vaping Dependence Index (PSCVDI). Results: The final sample included 357 dual, 40 cannabis, and 106 nicotine vape users. Compared to nicotine- and cannabis-only vapers, dual vapers started using their nicotine and cannabis vapes at a younger age (p < 0.001), used them for more years (p < 0.001), and were less likely to use their nicotine vape to replace combustible cigarettes (p = 0.047). Dual users vs. single-substance users did not have significantly higher nicotine or cannabis vape dependence scores after controlling for sociodemographic and use behaviors. The PSCVDI showed adequate validity for measuring cannabis vape dependence. Conclusions: This survey is the first to highlight important differences in vape use behaviors and reasons for use between dual vs. cannabis- and nicotine-only vape users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savreen K. Saran
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Kalin Z. Salinas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jonathan Foulds
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences & Penn State Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Övgϋ Kaynak
- School of Behavioral Sciences & Education, Penn State Harrisburg, 777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, USA
| | - Brianna Hoglen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Kenneth R. Houser
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Nicolle M. Krebs
- Department of Public Health Sciences & Penn State Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jessica M. Yingst
- Department of Public Health Sciences & Penn State Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sophia I. Allen
- Department of Public Health Sciences & Penn State Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Candace R. Bordner
- Department of Public Health Sciences & Penn State Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Andrea L. Hobkirk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences & Penn State Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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Barrett R, Aldamkhi H. An Evaluation of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Pharmacy Staff and Pre-Registration Students of E-Cigarettes Use: A Systematic Review. Tob Use Insights 2021; 14:1179173X211016867. [PMID: 34188579 PMCID: PMC8209790 DOI: 10.1177/1179173x211016867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacy staff are a trusted source of advice on the safe and appropriate use of medicines and devices. Retail pharmacies deliver smoking cessation services and sell e-cigarettes in the UK. This review asks 'what knowledge, experience and ability do staff have to support e-cigarette users to quit smoking'. METHODS A systematic literature search was undertaken drawn on predefined eligibility criteria and a comprehensive search strategy following the PRISMA guideline. Eligible papers reported survey-research published in English from 2015 to 2020. PubMed, Google Scholar, OVID, EMBASE and MEDLINE Databases were searched. No restrictions on study design or language were applied. Two reviewers independently screened for inclusion/exclusion and then extracted the relevant information from the articles for synthesis. RESULTS Of 12 potentially eligible full-text studies, 1 was a duplicate, 7 were excluded as per eligibility criteria. Four papers were finally included in this literature review. Two studies indicated that pharmacy staff are less confident in giving advice on e-cigarette use. Knowledge on the adverse effects of e-cigarettes compared to traditional smoking cessation aids remain unclear. In one study, 42% of community pharmacists did not believe that e-cigarettes could be used for smoking cessation. Three studies identified need for specific regulations and professional support. The overall certainty of the evidence is 'low' or 'very low', with moderate levels of bias. CONCLUSION Pharmacists may be well placed to implement e-cigarette smoking cessation interventions, but most practitioners lacked knowledge and ability to support these customers citing unclear risk of harm. Pharmacists felt secure in recommending traditional cessation tools. Further regulation, guidelines and training is needed. Findings may be less generalizable in countries where e-cigarettes are banned. Their extent of knowledge, experience and ability to support users of e-cigarettes within their community to quit smoking is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravina Barrett
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Cockcroft Building, University of Brighton, UK
- Visiting Researcher in Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Hajar Aldamkhi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Cockcroft Building, University of Brighton, UK
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Meacham MC, Vogel EA, Thrul J. Vaping-Related Mobile Apps Available in the Google Play Store After the Apple Ban: Content Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e20009. [PMID: 33185565 PMCID: PMC7695530 DOI: 10.2196/20009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to health concerns about vaping devices (eg, youth nicotine use, lung injury), Apple removed 181 previously approved vaping-related apps from the App Store in November 2019. This policy change may lessen youth exposure to content that glamorizes vaping; however, it may also block important sources of information and vaping device control for adults seeking to use vaping devices safely. OBJECTIVE Understanding the types of nicotine and cannabis vaping-related apps still available in the competing Google Play Store can shed light on how digital apps may reflect information available to consumers. METHODS In December 2019, we searched the Google Play Store for vaping-related apps using the keywords "vape" and "vaping" and reviewed the first 100 apps presented in the results. We reviewed app titles, descriptions, screenshots, and metadata to categorize the intended substance (nicotine or cannabis/tetrahydrocannabinol) and the app's purpose. The most installed apps in each purpose category were downloaded and evaluated for quality and usability with the Mobile App Rating Scale. RESULTS Of the first 100 apps, 79 were related to vaping. Of these 79 apps, 43 (54%) were specific to nicotine, 3 (4%) were specific to cannabis, 1 (1%) was intended for either, and for the remaining 31 (39%), the intended substance was unclear. The most common purposes of the apps were making do-it-yourself e-liquids (28/79, 35%) or coils (25/79, 32%), games/entertainment (19/79, 24%), social networking (16/79, 20%), and shopping for vaping products (15/79, 19%). Of the 79 apps, at least 4 apps (5%) paired with vaping devices to control temperature or dose settings, 8 apps (10%) claimed to help people quit smoking using vaping, and 2 apps (3%) had the goal of helping people quit vaping. CONCLUSIONS The majority of vaping-related apps in the Google Play Store had features either to help users continue vaping, such as information for modifying devices, or to maintain interest in vaping. Few apps were for controlling device settings or assisting with quitting smoking or vaping. Assuming that these Google Play Store apps were similar in content to the Apple App Store apps that were removed, it appears that Apple's ban would have a minimal effect on people who vape with the intention of quitting smoking or who are seeking information about safer vaping via mobile apps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith C Meacham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Erin A Vogel
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Johannes Thrul
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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