Reported patterns of vaping to support long-term abstinence from smoking: a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of vapers.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research article examining the relationship between e-cigarette device characteristics, patterns of use, and tobacco smoking relapse among a convenience sample of vapers. The study aims to identify factors that may contribute to smoking abstinence or relapse.

Key Points:

* The study found that most participants were long-term abstinent smokers who initiated e-cigarette use with a vape pen or cig-a-like before moving onto a tank device.
* Participants reported moving from tobacco-flavored cig-a-likes to fruit/sweet/food flavors with tank devices.
* Those using a tank or vape pen appeared less likely to relapse than those using a cig-a-like.
* The risk of relapse may be greater if starting with a low e-cigarette liquid nicotine concentration and/or cig-a-like device.
* The study design included a convenience sample of 371 participants with experience of vaping and tobacco-smoking abstinence and/or relapse.
* The study used an online cross-sectional survey to collect data on e-cigarette device use, nicotine concentration, and flavor preferences.
* The analysis included multiple linear and logistic regression models to examine associations between device type, nicotine concentration, and relapse.
* Missing data were dealt with through pairwise deletion, reducing the sample size for some analyses.

Main Message:
The study suggests that the type of e-cigarette device and nicotine concentration may play a role in tobacco smoking relapse. The results indicate that using a tank or vape pen may be associated with a lower risk of relapse compared to a cig-a-like device. Additionally, starting with a higher nicotine concentration may reduce the risk of relapse. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to better understand the role of e-cigarette device characteristics and patterns of use in supporting smoking cessation. Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering device type and nicotine concentration when using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.

Gentry SV, Ward E, Dawkins L, Holland R, Notley C. Reported patterns of vaping to support long-term abstinence from smoking: a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of vapers. Harm reduction journal. 2020;17(1):70. doi:10.1186/s12954-020-00418-8