Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a pilot study that explores the effects of e-cigarettes on craving and smoking severity in e-cigarette naïve cigarette smokers. The study aims to compare the outcomes of e-cigarettes and participants' own cigarettes.
Key Points:
* The study uses a within-subjects, placebo-controlled study design with 15 tobacco-dependent participants who sustained abstinence overnight.
* Participants completed distinct phases of this protocol during 4 separate study sessions and were randomized to an e-cigarette device containing one of 3 doses of nicotine (0, 18, or 36 mg/ml) or their own cigarette.
* After 10 puffs in both the Own cigarette and e-cigarette conditions, breath CO levels increased significantly in the former but not the latter.
* QSU and Choices to Smoke scores were not statistically different across groups after two distinct bouts of 10 puffs each.
* E-cigarette Perceptions Questionnaire responses were not significantly different according to dose.
* The study found that e-cigarettes did not reduce craving or smoking severity in e-cigarette naïve users.
* The study had a small sample size and an overrepresentation of males and Black participants, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarettes do not reduce craving or smoking severity in e-cigarette naïve users. However, the limitations of the study, including the small sample size and overrepresentation of certain demographics, suggest that further research is needed to confirm these findings. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the effects of e-cigarettes on e-cigarette naïve cigarette smokers.
Citation
De La Garza R, Shuman SL, Yammine L, Yoon JH, Salas R, Holst M. A Pilot Study of E-Cigarette Naïve Cigarette Smokers and the Effects on Craving After Acute Exposure to E-Cigarettes in the Laboratory. The American journal on addictions. 2019;28(5):361-366. doi:10.1111/ajad.12895
