Examining E-cigarette purchases and cessation in a consumer panel of smokers.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study examining the correlates of e-cigarette use and their impact on cessation among smokers in a national U.S. consumer panel. The study used data from the Nielsen Homescan Panel from 2011 to 2013 to analyze smoking behaviors and the association between e-cigarette use and cessation.

Key Points:

* The study used an observational, longitudinal cohort design to examine which cigarette smokers purchase e-cigarettes and the potential harm reduction impact of e-cigarettes on smokers.
* Smoking behaviors, such as the type, price, and volume of cigarettes consumed, were found to correlate with e-cigarette initiation and continued use.
* Motivation for using e-cigarettes, such as prior NRT purchasing or previous gaps in cigarette purchase, was found to be important correlates of e-cigarette initiation and regular use.
* The tobacco control environment, including stricter policies and denormalization of tobacco and nicotine use, impacted e-cigarette use.
* E-cigarette use was found to be negatively associated with cessation in some studies, while other studies found no significant association.
* Quantifying and characterizing e-cigarette use is important for understanding its impact on cessation.
* The timing and frequency of assessments and the distinction between different types of e-cigarette users may impact the findings of observational studies on e-cigarette use and cessation.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for greater attention to the characteristics of smokers who use e-cigarettes and the characteristics of their use. The findings suggest that certain types of e-cigarette use may be associated with cessation, while other factors such as motivation for use and the tobacco control environment may also impact e-cigarette use and cessation. Overall, understanding the complex relationship between e-cigarette use and cessation is important for informing regulatory decisions.

Cahn Z, Haardörfer R, Lewis M, Wang Y, Berg CJ. Examining E-cigarette purchases and cessation in a consumer panel of smokers. Journal of Smoking Cessation. 2019;14(1):32-41. doi:10.1017/jsc.2018.11