Views of experienced electronic cigarette users

Abstract

Background Awareness and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) has increased significantly in the last five years, but little is known about the experiences, satisfaction, opinions and preferences of e-cigs users. Method 1177 participants completed an online survey about their electronic cigarette preferences, of which 200 were randomly selected for analysis. The data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Results Participants found the design, the ability to customize, and the quality of vapor to be the most important characteristics of the device. Participants thought the most positive aspects of e-cig use were help to quit smoking, improved overall health, and reduced cost. The negative aspects associated with use were mainly related to side effects, such as dry mouth. When asked to explain how e-cigs were used differently than cigarettes, participants reported puffing more regularly, but taking fewer puffs per session. Conclusions Experienced e-cig users stated that initiating e-cig use helped them to quit or reduce their conventional smoking, which they believe reduced their health risks. In comparison to cigarette smoking, e-cig users reported using their e-cig more times per day, but with fewer puffs at each use time. Users acknowledged that more research is needed to understand the safety and long-term effects of use. They mentioned dry mouth as a common side effect and common problems with reliability of e-cigs. Understanding these views may help health professionals to assess and assist e-cig users, and in the future, may help regulators to improve quality and reduce risks.

E-cigarette use in adults: a qualitative study of users’ perceptions and future use intentions

“…Baweja et al (2015) similarly found that, compared to cigarette smoking, e-cigarette users reported using their e-cigarettes more frequently, yet with fewer puffs. Participants in our study and others (e.g., McDonald & Ling, 2015; Pokhrel et al, 2015a; Pokhrel et al, 2015b), reported that the ability to use e-cigarettes in places in which smoking is prohibited, was both an appealing factor and reason for increased use.…”

“…A recent examination of open-ended responses on a survey conducted with e-cigarette users (Baweja et al, 2015) found that the most common negative effects of e-cigarettes mentioned were dry mouth, chapped lips, and bad breath.…”

E-Cigarettes Use Behavior and Experience of Adults: Qualitative Research Findings to Inform E-Cigarette Use Measure Development

“…8 Recent studies suggest that there are several motivations for e-cigarette use in adults. 6,[9][10][11][12] These include a perception that vaping is healthier, an expectation that it will lead to less tobacco smoking, or a desire to reduce costs associated with traditional tobacco products. 6,9 In one study, about half of regular smokers expressed an interest in trying e-cigarettes.…”

“…6,[9][10][11][12] These include a perception that vaping is healthier, an expectation that it will lead to less tobacco smoking, or a desire to reduce costs associated with traditional tobacco products. 6,9 In one study, about half of regular smokers expressed an interest in trying e-cigarettes. 9 Thus, dual users (that is, those who smoke conventional cigarettes but also use e-cigarettes) may be an especially important category of e-cigarette users to study because of the similarity of the two activities.…”

“…The public's fastpaced adoption of these new products is occurring without users or scientists having adequate knowledge or full understanding of the characteristics, long-term health impacts, and implications of e-cigarette use, which are critical to inform future tobacco control regulations. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Such regulations need to be carefully targeted for different subpopulations at risk. Among US high school students the estimated prevalence of e-cigarette use in last 30 days was 13.4% in 2014, surpassing all other types of tobacco or nicotine products.…”