Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research paper examining the influence of e-cigarette flavorings on the vaping and smoking behaviors of cigarette smokers who were asked to adopt preferred flavored or control flavored e-cigarettes for a period of 6 weeks. The study aimed to determine the impact of specific flavors on the adoption and use of e-cigarettes and cigarette smoking rates.
Key Points:
* The study employed a two-phase design, with a laboratory study in Phase I and a field study in Phase II.
* Participants were current cigarette smokers who were asked to substitute e-cigarettes for their regular cigarettes for a period of 6 weeks.
* Participants were assigned to nicotine and flavor combination conditions and were asked to monitor their cigarette use daily for 1 week and then to substitute e-cigarettes in place of their regular cigarettes for the 6-week period.
* The study found that the adoption of e-cigarettes influenced cigarette smoking rates and that e-cigarette flavorings could moderate this effect.
* Certain flavors, such as menthol, were preferred and prompted greater use of e-cigarettes and less use of cigarettes.
* The findings suggest that the regulation of flavors in e-cigarettes and the use of e-cigarettes in harm reduction efforts may need to consider the impact of flavorings on adoption and use.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering the impact of flavorings on the adoption and use of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool. The findings suggest that certain flavors, such as menthol, may be more effective in promoting the use of e-cigarettes and reducing cigarette smoking rates. As regulatory bodies consider the regulation of e-cigarettes, it is important to take into account the impact of flavorings on their use and potential harm reduction benefits.
Citation
Litt, Mark D, Valerie Duffy, and Cheryl Oncken. “Cigarette Smoking and Electronic Cigarette Vaping Patterns as a Function of E-Cigarette Flavourings.” Tobacco Control 25, no. Suppl 2 (November 2016): ii67–72. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053223.
