Then and now: Consumption and dependence in e-cigarette users who formerly smoked cigarettes

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study investigating the characteristics of nicotine dependence and consumption in a sample of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users who formerly smoked cigarettes. The study aims to better understand e-cigarette dependence and consumption among ex-smoking vapers in a cross-sectional survey.

Key Points:

* The study recruited 436 current vapers, 80% of whom were male, and 95% of whom were ex-smokers.
* Participants completed a retrospective version of the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND-R), as well as a modified version to suit current vaping (FTND-V).
* Nicotine dependence appears to reduce markedly when smokers transition to vaping. However, a 'decoupling' is observed in the relationship between consumption and dependence in vaping, and the FTND-V showed inadequate psychometric properties.
* Older and female vapers tend to employ a low-power, higher nicotine-concentration style of vaping.
* E-liquid nicotine concentration was associated, albeit weakly, with dependence among e-cigarette users.
* Vapers are heterogeneous group with respect to style of consumption, with a high-power/lower nicotine set-up more common among younger men.

Main Message:
The study suggests that indicators of smoking addiction do not appear to be applicable to vaping, with respect to both internal consistency and relationship to consumption. This suggests that motivations for vaping are less dominated by nicotine delivery and may be driven more by positive reinforcement factors. However, e-liquid nicotine concentration was associated, albeit weakly, with dependence among e-cigarette users. Overall, the study suggests that vaping behavior is different from smoking behavior and should be regulated differently, taking into account the different motivations and patterns of consumption.

Browne, Matthew, and Daniel G. Todd. “Then and Now: Consumption and Dependence in e-Cigarette Users Who Formerly Smoked Cigarettes.” Addictive Behaviors 76 (January 2018): 113–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.07.034.