Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the characteristics of e-cigarette users who attempt and fail to quit. The study focuses on the role of dependence, perceptions, and affective vulnerability in the quit attempt process. The study's key points highlight the differences between e-cigarette users who have previously attempted to quit and those who have not. The main message of the text emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to e-cigarette quit difficulty, given the projected rise in e-cigarette use.
Key Points:
* The study design is a cross-sectional survey of 560 current adult e-cigarette users.
* Participants were recruited via an online survey panel program and were eligible if they were aged 18-65, had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, and could provide informed consent.
* The study examined e-cigarette use history, dependence, perceived barriers to quitting, positive and negative outcome expectancies, and affective vulnerability.
* Participants were divided into two groups: those who had made a previous e-cigarette quit attempt and those who had not.
* Results demonstrated that e-cigarette users with previous quit attempts had higher rates of e-cigarette dependence, perceived barriers to quitting, and both positive and negative expectancies regarding e-cigarette use.
* Participants with previous quit attempts also reported higher levels of affective vulnerability across most studied constructs.
* The study's limitations include the cross-sectional design, self-reported measures, and the lack of data on successful e-cigarette quitters.
Main Message:
The main message of the text is that a substantial portion of current e-cigarette users struggle to remain abstinent from e-cigarette use. The study highlights potential factors that may portend relapse, including higher levels of e-cigarette dependence, perceived barriers to quitting, and affective vulnerability. The findings suggest that more research is needed to provide a more thorough understanding of e-cigarette use patterns, perceptions, and quit behavior. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing prevention and intervention efforts to address the projected rise in e-cigarette use.
Citation
Garey L, Mayorga NA, Peraza N, et al. Distinguishing characteristics of e-cigarette users who attempt and fail to quit: Dependence, perceptions, and affective vulnerability. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. 2019;80(1):134-140. doi:10.15288/jsad.2019.80.134
