Young Adult Correlates of IQOS Curiosity, Interest, and Likelihood of Use.

Objectives: Philip Morris International's heated tobacco product, Marlboro IQOS, is available internationally and soon will be marketed in the United States (US). We examined correlates of curiosity, interest, and likelihood to use IQOS among US young adults. Methods: Young adults ages 18-30 years (N = 346) were recruited online, viewed a description of IQOS, and completed measures of socio-demographic characteristics, perceived risks, curiosity, interest, and likelihood to use IQOS. Results: Males had greater curiosity, interest, and likelihood to use IQOS than females. Individuals with household income of $50,000-$75,000 were more curious than those with household income of greater than $75,000. Cigarette smokers, e-cigarette and dual users had greater curiosity, interest, and likelihood of use than non-tobacco users. Non-white individuals and older young adults had greater likelihood of use. Greater perceived risks of IQOS were negatively associated with curiosity, interest, and likelihood of use. Conclusions: Among young adults, IQOS has greater appeal among males, non-whites, those who are older, those with household income of $50,000-$75,000, cigarette smokers, e-cigarette and dual users, and those with fewer perceived risks of IQOS. Research on public education communicating the potential risks of IQOS to vulnerable young adults is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]