Views of experienced electronic cigarette users

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the views and experiences of experienced electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users. The study used a mixed methods research design, collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data to better understand the perceptions of e-cigarette users. The study's key points highlight the characteristics of e-cigarette users, their usage patterns, and the factors they believe are important from a public health perspective.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed data from 200 experienced e-cigarette users.
* Most participants were men (73%) from the United States (87.5%).
* Participants had an average of five previous attempts to quit smoking.
* The majority of users (83%) were former smokers, and 17% reported continued use of traditional cigarettes.
* The most frequently reported reason for e-cigarette use was the perception that it was less harmful to health (36.5%).
* Users reported starting e-cigarette use to quit tobacco soon (73.5%), and almost every user reported that e-cigarettes helped them to quit smoking (93.5%).
* Users reported using their e-cigarettes more times per day, but with fewer puffs at each use time, compared to cigarette smoking.
* Users acknowledged that more research is needed to understand the safety and long-term effects of e-cigarette use.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that experienced e-cigarette users perceive e-cigarettes as a helpful tool for quitting smoking and improving their health. They report using e-cigarettes more frequently, but with fewer puffs at each use time, compared to traditional cigarettes. However, users also recognize the need for more research on the safety and long-term effects of e-cigarette use. Understanding the views and experiences of e-cigarette users can help health professionals assess and assist e-cigarette users, and inform regulators as they work to improve quality and reduce risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Baweja, Raman, Katherine M. Curci, Jessica Yingst, Susan Veldheer, Shari Hrabovsky, Stephen J. Wilson, Travis T. Nichols, Thomas Eissenberg, and Jonathan Foulds. “Views of Experienced Electronic Cigarette Users.” Addiction Research & Theory 24, no. 1 (January 2, 2016): 80–88. https://doi.org/10.3109/16066359.2015.1077947.