Comparison of the characteristics of long-term users of electronic cigarettes versus nicotine replacement therapy: A cross-sectional survey of English ex-smokers and current smokers

Introduction:
This summary will provide an overview of a study comparing the characteristics of long-term users of electronic cigarettes (ECs) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in terms of their smoking behavior, attachment to smoking, experience of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and views on these devices. The study aimed to gather preliminary evidence on these aspects and compare users of the different products.

Key Points:

* The study recruited UK participants from four groups of long-term users of either EC or NRT who had stopped or continued to smoke (N = 36 per group, total N = 144).
* Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating socio-demographic and smoking characteristics, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, smoker identity, and attitudes towards the products they were using.
* After adjusting for relevant confounders, EC use was associated with a stronger smoker identity and greater product endorsement compared to NRT use, irrespective of smoking status.
* Among ex-smokers, EC users reported less severe mood and physical symptoms, cravings, higher perceived helpfulness of the product, and lower intentions to stop using the product than NRT users.
* Compared to people who use NRT for at least six months, those who use ECs over that time period appear to have a stronger smoker identity and like their products more. Among long-term users who have stopped smoking, ECs are perceived as more helpful than NRT, appear more effective in controlling withdrawal symptoms, and continued use may be more likely.

Main Message:
The findings suggest that long-term EC users have a stronger smoker identity and a more positive attitude towards their products compared to NRT users. Among ex-smokers, ECs seem to be more effective in controlling withdrawal symptoms and are perceived as more helpful in quitting smoking. These results highlight the potential benefits of ECs for long-term smoking cessation and harm reduction compared to traditional NRT products.

Nelson, Victoria A., Maciej L. Goniewicz, Emma Beard, Jamie Brown, Kate Sheals, Robert West, and Lion Shahab. “Comparison of the Characteristics of Long-Term Users of Electronic Cigarettes versus Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Survey of English Ex-Smokers and Current Smokers.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence 153 (August 2015): 300–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.005.