Background

Nicotine pouches, gummies, and candies have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional tobacco products among U.S. adolescents. While parental educational attainment is generally associated with youth substance use, marginalization-related diminished returns (MDRs) suggest that this effect may be weaker in marginalized populations, including non-Latino White communities. In particular, place-based marginalization-such as neighborhood economic disadvantage and school-level poverty-may attenuate the benefits of parental education. This study examines MDRs in the relationship between parental educational attainment and nicotine pouch/gummy/candy use among non-Latino White 12th graders in the 2024 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study.

Methods

This study analyzed nationally representative data from the 2024 MTF study, focusing on non-Latino White 12th graders who reported parental education levels and adolescents' use of nicotine pouch/gummy/candy. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate the effects of parental education on adolescents' use of nicotine pouches, gummies, and candies, while adjusting for demographic covariates. Place-based marginalization was operationalized using rural vs urban/suburban residence. Interaction terms tested whether the effect of parental education varied based on place of residence.

Results

Higher parental educational attainment was associated with lower use of nicotine pouches, gummies, and candies. However, this effect was significantly weaker in rural areas.

Conclusion

Public health interventions should account for place-based disparities rather than assuming a uniform effect of SES factors. This study highlights the need for policy responses that address structural inequities beyond individual family SES.