Vaping characteristics and expectancies are associated with smoking cessation propensity among dual users of combustible and electronic cigarettes.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study investigating the relationship between vaping characteristics and smoking cessation propensity among dual users of combustible and electronic cigarettes. The study aims to determine which characteristics of vaping are more likely to increase smokers' motivation and ability to quit smoking. The research used a cross-sectional design, recruiting dual users from throughout the United States and assessing them at baseline.

Key Points:

* The study included 2896 dual users who smoked and vaped at least once per week.
* The study measured vaping reinforcement through vaping frequency, e-cigarette characteristics, and positive e-cigarette expectancies.
* Smoking cessation propensity (SCP) was measured through items of confidence, commitment to being smoke-free, cessation motivation, change in cigarettes per day since beginning e-cigarette use, and negative smoking expectancies.
* Four factors emerged from the exploratory factor analysis: vaping propensity, vaping enthusiasm, nicotine/tobacco flavor, and SCP.
* A confirmatory factor analysis upheld the exploratory factor structure.
* A structural equation model found that vaping propensity had a positive relationship with SCP, while vaping enthusiasm and nicotine/tobacco flavor had negative relationships with SCP.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that among e-cigarette users who also smoke combustible cigarettes, frequent vaping combined with positive e-cigarette expectancies appears to predict greater smoking cessation propensity. However, vaping enthusiasm, measured by e-cigarette modifications, using non-tobacco flavors, and puffs per use, may reduce cessation propensity. Higher nicotine content and use of tobacco flavored solution may also reduce cessation propensity. These findings suggest that certain vaping characteristics may be more conducive to smoking cessation than others. Regulators should consider these findings when developing policies around e-cigarette use.

Brandon KO, Simmons VN, Meltzer LR, et al. Vaping characteristics and expectancies are associated with smoking cessation propensity among dual users of combustible and electronic cigarettes. Addiction. 2019;114(5):896-906. doi:10.1111/add.14551