Online Vape Shop Customers Who Use E-Cigarettes Report Abstinence from Smoking and Improved Quality of Life, But a Substantial Minority Still Have Vaping-Related Health Concerns

Introduction:
This summary will provide an overview of a study examining the characteristics and usage patterns of customers of an online vape shop in the Netherlands. The study aims to extend the understanding of vaper profiles beyond convenience samples and brick-and-mortar vape shop customers.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed customers of a Dutch online vape shop, with a response rate of 16%.
* Nearly all participants were former smokers who switched to vaping, with a small percentage still using tobacco cigarettes.
* Participants reported using e-cigarettes to quit smoking, because they are healthier, and for financial reasons.
* The majority perceived vaping as not harmful or only slightly harmful, but one-fifth believed vaping to be harmful.
* Most participants experienced health improvements after switching to vaping, such as better breathing and less coughing.
* The findings are consistent with other vape shop studies and convenience samples, suggesting that selection bias for positive experiences with vaping may be present in these samples.

Main Message:
This study contributes to the understanding of the typical profile of an online vape shop customer, which is similar to the profiles observed in other vape shop studies and convenience samples. The results support the potential of e-cigarette-based tobacco harm reduction as a viable alternative for some smokers who cannot or do not want to cease all tobacco and/or nicotine consumption. However, it is crucial to remain cautious about generalizing these findings due to potential selection bias.

Gucht, Dinska Van, Karolien Adriaens, and Frank Baeyens. “Online Vape Shop Customers Who Use E-Cigarettes Report Abstinence from Smoking and Improved Quality of Life, But a Substantial Minority Still Have Vaping-Related Health Concerns.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 7 (July 17, 2017): 798. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14070798.