Hypothetical flavour ban and intention to vape among vape shop customers: the role of flavour preference and e-cigarette dependence

Abstract

IntroductionE-cigarette users typically initiate vaping with flavoured e-liquids. People who vape flavours tend to underestimate the harm of vaping. We examined the inter-relationship between flavour preference, vaping for cessation purposes, e-cigarette dependence, e-cigarette harm perception and purchase/use intention, given a hypothetical flavour ban. We hypothesised that non-tobacco flavour preference and vaping for cessation would be negatively associated with harm perception of e-cigarettes and intention to continue vaping if a flavour ban occurred and that these effects would be mediated by e-cigarette dependence.MethodsFrom July 2019 to March 2020, we conducted intercept interviews with 276 customers at 44 vape shops in California. The predictor variables were flavour preference and vaping for cessation. The outcome variables were harm perception of e-cigarettes and intention to purchase/use, given a hypothetical flavour ban. Multilevel structural equation modelling tested whether e-cigarette dependence mediates the effects of flavour preference on hypothetical continued vaping and purchase.ResultsThose who preferred flavours showed significantly lower intention to purchase e-liquids (β=−0.28, p<0.001) and to continue vaping (β=−0.17, p=0.001), given a hypothetical flavour ban. Those who vaped for smoking cessation indicated greater intention to purchase e-liquid (β=0.10, p=0.016) and to continue vaping (β=0.17, p=0.001), given a hypothetical flavour ban. E-cigarette dependence significantly mediated these effects (ps<0.04).DiscussionFlavour preference was negatively related to intention to continue to vape within a hypothetical flavour ban. Our results also highlight the importance of e-cigarette dependence and use of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation methods. Implications for future flavour bans are discussed.

Electronic cigarette users’ reactions and responses to a hypothetical ban of flavoured electronic cigarette liquids

“…In the current study, non-tobacco or non-menthol/mint e-cigarette users had higher ratings for the new flavours as vaping cessation transition cluster compared with tobacco or menthol/mint flavoured e-cigarette users. This is similar to findings from a study examining responses to a hypothetical e-cigarette flavour ban among e-cigarette users recruited from vape shops in California in which non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarette users were less likely to report planning to continue e-cigarette use after a flavour ban 37. Additionally, those who reported e-cigarette use for smoking cessation reported they would be more likely to continue e-cigarette use with tobacco-only flavours if all non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarettes were banned 37.…”

“…This is similar to findings from a study examining responses to a hypothetical e-cigarette flavour ban among e-cigarette users recruited from vape shops in California in which non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarette users were less likely to report planning to continue e-cigarette use after a flavour ban. 37 Additionally, those who reported e-cigarette use for smoking cessation reported they would be more likely to continue e-cigarette use with tobacco-only flavours if all non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarettes were banned. 37 These data in combination with the findings displayed in figure 2 of the current study that demonstrate greater acceptability of a flavour-limiting policy among tobacco or menthol/mint flavoured e-cigarette users have important implications.…”

“… 37 Additionally, those who reported e-cigarette use for smoking cessation reported they would be more likely to continue e-cigarette use with tobacco-only flavours if all non-tobacco flavoured e-cigarettes were banned. 37 These data in combination with the findings displayed in figure 2 of the current study that demonstrate greater acceptability of a flavour-limiting policy among tobacco or menthol/mint flavoured e-cigarette users have important implications. If cigarette smokers are willing to use tobacco or menthol-only flavoured e-cigarettes, then a policy that limits e-cigarette flavours to only tobacco or menthol may prevent youth or tobacco naïve individuals from e-cigarette use while still maintaining e-cigarettes as an acceptable option for combustible cigarette smokers.…”

Associations between living in localities with e-cigarette sales restrictions and e-cigarette use change among young adults in Los Angeles County

“…Additionally, the impact ESRs and flavoured ESRs among users and non-users of e-cigarettes may depend on their cigarette smoking history. Previous research has shown that ESR’s hypothetical impact on adults’ e-cigarette use behaviour change may largely depend on their cigarette smoking behaviour 18 19. Specifically, adult e-cigarette users who also smoke cigarettes may be less likely to be influenced by ESR policies than e-cigarette users who are non-smokers 18 19.…”

Using Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) to Identify the Predictors and Influencing Mechanism of Technology Use Among Chinese Physicians: An Example from Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin (DCP)

“…21 To solve this issue while determining the relationship between the proposed factors, multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) is the best choice. 22 Currently, MSEM has been used in the fields of public health policy [23][24][25] and adolescent health, 26,27 but rarely in health technology use.…”