Why do people start or stop using e-cigarettes in Australia? A qualitative interview-based study.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a qualitative interview-based study exploring the reasons why people start, continue, or stop using e-cigarettes in Australia. The study aimed to provide insights into the social and personal factors that influence e-cigarette use in the Australian context.

Key Points:

* The study conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with past and current e-cigarette users in Sydney, Australia.
* The interviews revealed three major themes: social reasons, health reasons, and access and personal reasons.
* Social reasons included peer influence, social norms, and the desire to be part of a social group.
* Health reasons included the reduction of cigarette use and the perception of e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative.
* Access and personal reasons included the cost of e-cigarettes, the ability to access e-cigarettes, and the taste, smell, and location of use.
* Participants were motivated to start using e-cigarettes due to social and health reasons, while access and personal reasons influenced their decision to continue or stop using e-cigarettes.
* Social norms and peer influence were found to be significant factors in both starting and stopping e-cigarette use.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding the social and personal factors that influence e-cigarette use in different contexts. The findings suggest that social norms and peer influence play a significant role in e-cigarette use, and interventions aimed at reducing e-cigarette use among non-smokers should consider these factors. Additionally, further research is needed to understand the causal connections of these factors, especially the different roles that social factors play in e-cigarette use for smokers and non-smokers.

Amin S, Dunn AG, Laranjo L. Why do people start or stop using e-cigarettes in Australia? A qualitative interview-based study. Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals. 2021;32 Suppl 2:358-366. doi:10.1002/hpja.442