What factors are associated with current smokers using or stopping e-cigarette use?

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study on the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among smokers. It examines the factors associated with ongoing e-cigarette use and discontinuation among smokers. The study is based on data from a population-based online survey conducted in March 2016.

Key Points:

* The study found that ongoing use of e-cigarettes is associated with reasons for reducing smoking and dealing with smoking restrictions, heightened motivation to stop smoking, and lower dependence on smoking.
* Among smokers, having used e-cigarettes out of curiosity is associated with discontinued use, while ongoing dual use is associated with aiming to reduce smoking and overcome smoking restrictions, heightened motivation to stop smoking, and lower dependence.
* Smokers who had stopped vaping were more dependent than current dual users.
* The study used a cross-sectional design, which precludes causal statements, and data were self-reported at one time-point, potentially affected by recall bias.
* The study sample did not include past smokers who may have stopped smoking while vaping, and the analyses were conducted on smokers who tried or used e-cigarettes in the past.
* The study found that more dependent smokers may be at increased risk of stopping use but continuing to smoke.
* The study suggests that dual use represents a transient phase of heightened motivation to stop smoking, and smokers using e-cigarettes should be encouraged to stop smoking completely and supported to reduce cravings.

Main Message:
The main message of the study is that ongoing use of e-cigarettes among smokers is associated with positive factors such as reduced smoking, heightened motivation to quit, and lower dependence. However, the study also highlights the importance of supporting smokers to stop smoking completely and addressing the risks associated with dual use. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the use of e-cigarettes among smokers and highlights the need for further research to better understand the risks and benefits associated with their use.

Simonavicius, Erikas, Ann McNeill, Deborah Arnott, and Leonie S. Brose. “What Factors Are Associated with Current Smokers Using or Stopping E-Cigarette Use?” Drug and Alcohol Dependence 173 (April 2017): 139–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.002.