The Potential That Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Can be a Disruptive Technology: Results From a National Survey

Introduction:
This article is a scientific study evaluating the potential of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as e-cigarettes, to disrupt the tobacco product market and replace combusted tobacco products in the United States. The study uses data from the 2014 Tobacco Products and Risk Perception Survey to examine attitudes and reasons for use of ENDS among four groups of recent former and current smokers. The study aims to assess the potential of ENDS to become a disruptive technology that replaces combusted tobacco products.

Key Points:

* The study uses data from the 2014 Tobacco Products and Risk Perception Survey, which is an annual, cross-sectional survey of a probability sample drawn from Gfk's KnowledgePanel.
* The study defines cigarette smoking status and use of ENDS, and classifies current and former smokers into four mutually exclusive groups based on their current use of ENDS.
* The study measures attitudes, affect, and reasons for use of ENDS, and assesses the relationship between ENDS and quitting regular cigarettes.
* The study finds that former smokers who have ever used ENDS and are currently using them exclusively (Switchers) report finding ENDS a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes. However, most current smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative.
* The study also finds that many recent former smokers are trying ENDS with about one-fourth continuing to use them, and many report that these products have helped them quit regular cigarettes.
* The study suggests that the potential of ENDS to have positive impacts on population health remains uncertain, and continued surveillance is necessary.

Main Message:
The main message of the study is that while ENDS have the potential to disrupt the tobacco product market and replace combusted tobacco products, most current smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative. The study suggests that ENDS need to improve as a satisfying alternative or the attractiveness and appeal of regular cigarettes must be degraded to increase the potential of ENDS replacing regular cigarettes. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for continued surveillance of the potential impact of ENDS on population quit rates.

Pechacek, Terry F., Pratibha Nayak, Kyle R. Gregory, Scott R. Weaver, and Michael P. Eriksen. “The Potential That Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Can Be a Disruptive Technology: Results From a National Survey.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 18, no. 10 (October 2016): 1989–97. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntw102.