Background: We evaluated smokers’ perceptions of heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Mexico, where industry publically lobbied to introduce HTPs into this country that banned both HTPs and e-cigarettes. Methods: Online surveys (November 2018 to July 2019) were analyzed from adults who only smoked cigarettes (n = 2091) or who smoked and used e-cigarettes (“dual users” n = 1128). Logistic models regressed HTP awareness, interest to trying HTPs, and having seen HTPs for sale (only among aware participants) on sociodemographics and tobacco-related variables. Results: Of the 17.1% who were aware of HTPs, 52.7% reported having seen HTPs for sale. Of all respondents, 75% were somewhat or very interested in trying HTPs. Compared to their counterparts, more frequent smokers, dual users, those exposed to online e-cigarette ads, and those with friends who used e-cigarettes were both more aware of and interested in trying HTPs. Greater awareness was also associated with higher education, recent attempts to quit, receipt of email e-cigarette ads, and smoking among friends and family. Seeing HTPs for sale was higher for those who recently attempted to quit, were exposed to e-cigarette ads online or by email, or had friends who used e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Interest in HTPs is high among smokers in Mexico, which already has a large black market for illegal e-cigarettes. HTPs use should be monitored in this context, especially given the public health impacts of HTPs are unclear.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to use drugs and other substances compared to their heterosexual peers. No studies have evaluated patterns of substance use among MSM adults in Mexico. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify MSM subgroups with specific substance use patterns and their associations with sexual behaviors. Methods: Data from 1850 adult MSM were collected at HIV clinics in Mexico City between September 2018 and December 2019. The structural equation modeling approach was used to estimate a LC model to identify patterns of substance use by self-report of substance use (i.e., cigarette smoking, alcohol, and drugs). To evaluate LC membership, we included HIV status, condomless anal sex (CAS), and serosorting, while controlling for demographic variables. Results: 30.3% were under the age of 22. Alcohol use in last 30 days (76.2%), binge drinking (29.2%), marijuana (29.4%), sex-drugs (23.9%), stimulants (13.7%), and depressants (6.3%). MSM reported engaging in CAS (55.9%) and serosorting (13.5%) behaviors, and 40% reported being HIV positive. LCA indicated three general categories of MSM substance users: Class 1 (49.0%), Class 2 (29.8%), and Class 3 (20.4%). Members of Class 3 were younger: 23–28 age years (aOR = 1.86) and 29–33 age years (aOR = 1.86), more educated: completed graduate studies (aOR = 1.60), had a high probability of polysubstance use and were more likely to engage in CAS and serosorting. Conclusions: Attempts to detect alcohol and problematic use of substances are needed for MSM followed by culturally competent approaches that address alcohol and drug use disorders.

Introduction: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are promoted as less harmful than cigarettes; nonetheless, whether HTPs help smokers quit is uncertain. Methods: Data from 4067 Mexican adult smokers surveyed longitudinally every four months (November 2019–March 2021) were analyzed....

Objetivo. Explorar la aceptabilidad de la actual prohibición de Sistemas Electrónicos de Administración de Nicotina (SEAN) y cuatro propuestas regulatorias (prohibición de saborizantes, espacios libres de emisiones, edad mínima para compra y prohibición de promociones) entre usuarios de nicotina. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal de panel realizado en fumadores y vapeadores mexicanos (no­viembre 2018-marzo 2020). Mediante análisis de regresión logística se estimaron razones de momios ajustadas (RMa) para evaluar la asociación entre las variables independientes y el apoyo a la prohibición y cuatro propuestas regulatorias. Resultados. El apoyo de la prohibición fue de 20%. El nivel de aceptación de las propuestas fue de 21% prohibición de sabores, 23.2% prohibición de promociones, 40.5% espacios libres de emisiones, y 47.9% edad mínima para compra. Con­clusiones. En México existe un rechazo generalizado de los usuarios de nicotina a la prohibición de los SEAN, y mayor aceptación sobre regulación de espacios libres de emisiones y edad mínima de compra.