Abstract
Heated tobacco products (HTPs), such as IQOS, glo, and Ploom TECH, with a variety of flavored tobacco-containing inserts, have reportedly achieved a significant market share in Japan. We analyzed data from Wave 1 of the ITC Japan Survey, a nationally representative web survey conducted in February to March 2018 among 4684 adult participants to estimate the prevalence of HTP use, describe characteristics of HTP users, and explore user preferences for HTP device and flavor. The overall prevalence of monthly HTP use was 2.7% (1.7% daily use). Virtually all HTP users were current cigarette smokers (67.8%) or former smokers (25.0%); only 1.0% of HTP users were never smokers. Among HTP users, IQOS was the most frequently reported brand used (64.5%), and menthol was the most common flavor reported (41.5%). IQOS was used more by younger respondents and those who reported daily use, while Ploom TECH was more popular among older respondents and non-daily HTP users. This is one of the first non-industry funded studies to explore the use of HTPs in Japan.
Highlights
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are devices that heat processed tobacco rather than burn the tobacco directly in order to generate a nicotine aerosol for inhalation
Among HTP users, 67.8%, 25.0%, and 1.0% were current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers, respectively
IQOS was the most prevalent device among current HTP users (64.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 60.3–68.6%), followed by Ploom TECH (21.1%, 95% CI: 17.8–24.8%), and glo (14.4%, 95% CI: 11.7–17.5%)
Summary
The sampling frame of the survey was an existing Rakuten Insight panel that was nationally representative of Japanese cigarette smokers, HTP users, and non-users. Further quotas based on the region of residence, sex, and age, were applied to ensure the final sample of the survey was proportional to stratum sizes based on Japan census data. Participants completed an online survey, consisting of questions on HTP and cigarette use, and demographic measures, after eligibility screening. Participants were compensated with a standard Rakuten Insight incentive (points that can be redeemed as cash or merchandise) for a 35-min survey. Both survey procedures and materials were approved by the Office of Research Ethics University of Waterloo
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
