U.S. Soldiers 10 Times More Likely to Use Nicotine Pouches

A recent study conducted by researchers from UVA Cancer Center, Fort Liberty Department of Public Health, and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that American soldiers are 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches compared to the average American adult. The survey, which analyzed anonymous responses from 1,957 soldiers at Fort Liberty, the largest American military base, revealed that 23.8% of participants reported using nicotine pouches in the previous 30 days.

Nicotine Pouch Use on the Rise

The study, conducted in 2022 and 2023, showed an increase in nicotine pouch popularity among soldiers, with usage rates rising from 20.2% in 2022 to 24.7% in 2023. In contrast, a 2022 study found that only 2.9% of all American adults had ever used nicotine pouches.

Melissa Little, PhD, director of the Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Research at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, noted that military personnel have historically used tobacco and nicotine products at much higher rates than their civilian counterparts. "Our results show that these same disparities are continuing with new and emerging products, like nicotine pouches," Little said.

Health Risks Associated with Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches, which are highly addictive, have been linked to various health concerns, including cardiovascular risks, lung and stomach problems, gum ulcers, and oral health issues. Additionally, nicotine has been shown to promote the growth of cancer.

The study found that nicotine pouch users were more likely to be younger, male, White, unmarried, and users of other tobacco or nicotine products such as cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and vapes. Soldiers ages 30 and older were less likely to use nicotine pouches than those ages 17 to 24, while participants with at least a bachelor's degree were more likely to use nicotine pouches than soldiers with a high school degree or GED.

Developing Tailored Interventions for Military Personnel

With approximately 200,000 American soldiers leaving the military each year, the researchers emphasize the need for continued research into nicotine pouch use to develop strategies for reducing nicotine and tobacco consumption as soldiers transition to civilian life.

"We are currently working on addressing these high rates of nicotine pouches by developing tailored interventions for military personnel," Little said. "Given everything that military personnel sacrifice to serve our country, providing them with the tools to lead the healthiest lives possible is the best way we can give back."

The study, supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Cancer Institute, has been published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open.