Reactions to a Hypothetical Ban of Open-System Electronic Cigarettes Among People Who Currently Use Electronic Cigarettes

Introduction:
This text provides an overview of a study examining the potential reactions of people who use electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) to a hypothetical ban on open-system ECIG devices in the United States. The study uses concept mapping, a mixed methods approach, to identify themes and clusters of reactions and responses. The results highlight the importance of considering policy loopholes and consumer behaviors when implementing tobacco regulatory policies.

Key Points:

* The study used a convenience sample of 70 adults who reported ECIG use in the past 30 days.
* Participants generated 85 unique statements in response to a prompt about a hypothetical ban on open-system ECIG devices.
* The analysis identified eight themes, organized into two broad groups: behavioral responses and psychological responses.
* Behavioral responses included attempts to find loopholes, switching to closed-system ECIGs, using legal approaches to use open-system ECIGs, quitting ECIG use, and switching to non-ECIG products.
* Psychological responses included negative feelings about the ban, concerns about policy outcomes, and perceived limitations of closed-system ECIGs.
* Participants who self-reported using only open-system ECIGs had higher ratings for negative psychological responses and policy outcome concerns compared to those who used closed-system ECIGs.
* The study highlights the importance of considering policy enforcement strategies and potential unintended consequences when implementing tobacco regulatory policies.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive tobacco regulatory policies that consider policy loopholes and consumer behaviors. A ban on open-system ECIG devices may have positive impacts on public health, but it is crucial to address potential challenges and unintended consequences to increase the effectiveness of the policy. Future research should identify strategies for tobacco regulatory policy enforcement to ensure maximum impact and compliance.

Eric K Soule, Shannon Mayne, William Snipes, Mignonne C Guy, Alison Breland, Pebbles Fagan, Reactions to a Hypothetical Ban of Open-System Electronic Cigarettes Among People Who Currently Use Electronic Cigarettes, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Volume 27, Issue 2, February 2025, Pages 308–316, https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntae020