1
|
Khouja JN, Dyer ML, Havill MA, Dockrell MJ, Munafò MR, Attwood AS. Exploring the opinions and potential impact of unflavoured e-liquid on smoking cessation among people who smoke and smoking relapse among people who previously smoked and now use e-cigarettes: findings from a UK-based mixed methods study. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:90. [PMID: 38702809 PMCID: PMC11067290 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) appear to be effective in helping people who smoke to stop smoking, concerns about use of e-cigarettes among young people have led to restrictions on non-tobacco flavoured e-liquids in some countries and some US states. These restrictions could reduce the appeal of these products to non-smoking youth but could have negative consequences for people who smoke or use e-cigarettes. METHODS In this mixed methods study, we recruited UK adults who smoked or used to smoke and subsequently vaped to explore their opinions of unflavoured e-liquids and their beliefs about how they would be impacted by hypothetical e-liquid flavour restrictions. Participants trialled an unflavoured e-liquid instead of their usual nicotine product for four hours and completed a survey and an online interview. RESULTS Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis and graphically presented data, we found differences in participants' opinions of unflavoured e-liquid. If only unflavoured, tobacco flavoured, and menthol flavoured e-liquids remained on the UK market, some people who smoke or vape may be unaffected, but some may relapse to smoking or continue smoking. Despite most wanting to prevent young people from initiating vaping, participants had varying opinions on whether flavour restrictions would be an effective method. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight that people who smoke and vape could be impacted by flavour restrictions in a range of ways, some of which could have a potential adverse impact on harm reduction efforts in the UK (e.g., by making smoking more appealing than vaping).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine N Khouja
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK.
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Maddy L Dyer
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Michelle A Havill
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office of Health Improvement and Disparities, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Martin J Dockrell
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office of Health Improvement and Disparities, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Marcus R Munafò
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Angela S Attwood
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santiago-Torres M, Mull KE, Sullivan BM, Bricker JB. Use of e-Cigarettes in Cigarette Smoking Cessation: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e48896. [PMID: 37943594 PMCID: PMC10667975 DOI: 10.2196/48896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many adults use e-cigarettes to help them quit cigarette smoking. However, the impact of self-selected use of e-cigarettes on cigarette smoking cessation, particularly when concurrently receiving app-based behavioral interventions, remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE This study used data from a randomized trial of 2 smartphone apps to compare 12-month cigarette smoking cessation rates between participants who used e-cigarettes on their own (ie, adopters: n=465) versus those who did not (ie, nonadopters: n=1097). METHODS The study population included all participants who did not use e-cigarettes at baseline. "Adopters" were those who self-reported the use of e-cigarettes at either 3- or 6-month follow-ups. "Nonadopters" were those who self-reported no use of e-cigarettes at either follow-up time point. The primary cessation outcome was self-reported, complete-case, 30-day point prevalence abstinence from cigarette smoking at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were missing-as-smoking and multiple imputation analyses of the primary outcome, prolonged abstinence, and cessation of all nicotine and tobacco products at 12 months. In logistic regression models, we first examined the potential interaction between e-cigarette use and treatment arm (iCanQuit vs QuitGuide) on the primary cessation outcome. Subsequently, we compared 12-month cigarette smoking cessation rates between adopters and nonadopters separately for each app. RESULTS There was suggestive evidence for an interaction between e-cigarette use and treatment arm on cessation (P=.05). In the iCanQuit arm, 12-month cigarette smoking cessation rates were significantly lower among e-cigarette adopters compared with nonadopters (41/193, 21.2% vs 184/527, 34.9%; P=.003; odds ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.37-0.81). In contrast, in the QuitGuide arm, 12-month cigarette smoking cessation rates did not differ between adopters and nonadopters (46/246, 18.7% vs 104/522, 19.9%; P=.64; odds ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.62-1.35). CONCLUSIONS The use of e-cigarettes while concurrently receiving an app-based smoking cessation intervention was associated with either a lower or an unimproved likelihood of quitting cigarette smoking compared to no use. Future behavioral treatments for cigarette smoking cessation should consider including information on the potential consequences of e-cigarette use. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02724462; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02724462.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin E Mull
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Jonathan B Bricker
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Caponnetto P, Campagna D, Ahluwalia JS, Russell C, Maglia M, Riela PM, Longo CF, Busa B, Polosa R. Varenicline and counseling for vaping cessation: a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Med 2023; 21:220. [PMID: 37403047 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaping cessation is virtually unexplored. The efficacy and safety of varenicline for vaping cessation has not been studied and rigorous research is required to advance best practice and outcomes for people who use electronic cigarettes (EC) and want to quit. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of varenicline (1 mg BID, administered for 12 weeks, with follow-up to week 24) combined with vaping cessation counseling in exclusive daily EC users intending to quit vaping. METHODS Design: Double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING The study took place at a University-run smoking cessation center. PARTICIPANTS People who exclusively use ECs daily and intend to quit vaping. INTERVENTION A total of 140 subjects were randomized to either varenicline (1 mg, administered twice daily for 12 weeks) plus counseling or placebo treatment (administered twice daily, for 12 weeks) plus counseling. The trial consisted of a 12-week treatment phase followed by a 12-week follow-up, nontreatment phase. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was biochemically validated continuous abstinence rate (CAR) at weeks 4 to 12. Secondary efficacy end points were CAR at weeks 4 to 24 and 7-day point prevalence of vaping abstinence at weeks 12 and 24. RESULTS CAR was significantly higher for varenicline vs placebo at each interval: weeks 4-12, 40.0% and 20.0%, respectively (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = [1.25-5.68], P = 0.011); weeks 4-24, 34.3% for varenicline with counseling and 17.2% for placebo with counseling (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = [1.14-5.58], P = 0.0224). The 7-day point prevalence of vaping abstinence was also higher for the varenicline than placebo at each time point. Serious adverse events were infrequent in both groups and not treatment-related. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present RCT indicate that inclusion of varenicline in a vaping cessation program for people who use electronic cigarettes and intending to quit may result in prolonged abstinence. These positive findings establish a benchmark of intervention effectiveness, may support the use of varenicline combined with counseling in vaping cessation programs, and may also help guiding future recommendations by health authorities and healthcare providers. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study has been registered in EUDRACT with Trial registration ID: 2016-000339-42.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Caponnetto
- Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Addiction (CPCT), University Teaching Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Science of Education, Section of Psychology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Campagna
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- UOC MCAU, University Teaching Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jasjit S Ahluwalia
- Brown University School of Public Health and Alpert School of Medicine, RI, Providence, USA
| | | | - Marilena Maglia
- Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Addiction (CPCT), University Teaching Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- ECLAT Srl, Spin-off of the University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Marco Riela
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelo Fabio Longo
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Barbara Busa
- UOC Farmacia Ospedaliera, ARNAS Hospital "Garibaldi", Catania, Italy
| | - Riccardo Polosa
- Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Addiction (CPCT), University Teaching Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nottage MK, Taylor EV, Kim Y, Soh N, Hammond D, Simonavicius E, McNeill A, Arnott D, East K. Marketing claims on the websites of leading e-cigarette brands in England. Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-057934. [PMID: 37402577 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-057934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to electronic cigarette (EC) marketing is associated with EC use, particularly among youth. In England, the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) regulate EC marketing to reduce appeal to youth; however, there are little published data on EC marketing claims used online. This study therefore provides an overview of marketing claims present on the websites of EC brands popular in England. METHODS From January to February 2022, a content analysis of 10 of England's most popular EC brand websites was conducted, including violation of CAP codes. RESULTS Of the 10 websites, all presented ECs as an alternative to smoking, 8 as a smoking cessation aid and 6 as less harmful than smoking. Four websites presented ECs as risk-free. All mentioned product quality, modernity, convenience, sensory experiences and vendor promotions. Nine featured claims about flavours, colours, customisability and nicotine salts. Seven featured claims concerning social benefits, personal identity, sustainability, secondhand smoke and nicotine strength. Six featured claims about fire safety. Some claimed ECs are cheaper than tobacco (n=5), cited health professionals (n=4) or featured collaborations with brands/icons (n=4). All were assessed by the research team to violate one or more CAP code(s) by featuring medicinal claims (n=8), contents which may appeal to non-smokers (n=7), associations with youth culture (n=6), depictions of youth using ECs (n=6) or media targeting youth (n=5). CONCLUSION Among 10 top EC brand websites in England, marketing elements that might appeal to youth were commonly identified and CAP code compliance was low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yebin Kim
- Addictions Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nicole Soh
- Addictions Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Ann McNeill
- Addictions Department, King's College London, London, UK
- Shaping Public Health Policies to Reduce Inequalities and Harm (SPECTRUM) Consortium, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Katherine East
- Addictions Department, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smith TT, McClure EA, Halpern-Felsher B. Introduction to special issue of addictive behaviors: Tobacco regulatory science. Addict Behav 2023; 142:107671. [PMID: 36905899 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy T Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Erin A McClure
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, United States
| | - Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
- REACH Lab, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gravely S, Yong HH, Reid JL, East KA, Liber AC, Michael Cummings K, Quah AC, Fong GT, Hammond D. An examination of quitting smoking as a reason for vaping by the type of nicotine vaping device used most often among adults who smoke and vape: Findings from the Canada, England and the United States 2020 ITC Smoking and Vaping Survey. Prev Med Rep 2023; 33:102201. [PMID: 37223550 PMCID: PMC10201827 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Several nicotine vaping product (NVP) device types are available to consumers, and many people who smoke report vaping to help them quit. This study included data from the Wave 3 (2020) ITC Smoking and Vaping Survey in the US, Canada, and England and included 2324 adults who were smoking cigarettes and vaping at least weekly. Device types currently used most often (disposables, cartridges/pods, or tank systems) were assessed using weighted descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analyses were used to compare differences between respondents who reported vaping to quit smoking ('yes' vs. 'no/don't know') by device type, overall and by country. Overall, 71.3% of respondents reported vaping to help them quit smoking, with no country differences (p = 0.12). Those using tanks (78.7%, p < 0.001) and cartridges/pods (69.5%, p = 0.02) were more likely to report this reason for vaping than those using disposables (59.3%); respondents using tanks were also more likely than those using cartridges/pods (p = 0.001) to report this reason. By country, respondents in England using cartridges/pods or tanks (vs. disposables) were more likely to report vaping to quit smoking (with no difference between cartridges/pods and tanks). In Canada, respondents using tanks were more likely to report vaping to quit smoking than those using cartridges/pods or disposables (no difference between disposables and cartridges/pods). No significant differences by device type were found in the US. In conclusion, most adult respondents who smoked and vaped reported using either cartridges/pods or tanks, which were associated with greater odds of vaping for the purpose of quitting smoking versus disposables, with some country variations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Gravely
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hua-Hie Yong
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Jessica L. Reid
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Katherine A. East
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, Addictions Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8BB, UK
| | - Alex C. Liber
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - K. Michael Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Anne C.K. Quah
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Geoffrey T. Fong
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, 661 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rubenstein D, Denlinger-Apte RL, Cornacchione Ross J, Carroll DM, McClernon FJ. Older age is associated with greater misperception of the relative health risk of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among US adults who smoke. Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-057943. [PMID: 37137702 PMCID: PMC10622327 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-057943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults aged ≥55 has remained stagnant over the past decade. National data modelling suggests no reduction in cigarette smoking prevalence attributable to e-cigarette use in the USA among people aged ≥45. Misperceptions about the absolute risks (ie, cigarettes are not harmful) and relative risks (ie, e-cigarettes are more harmful than cigarettes) of tobacco products may contribute to sustained smoking prevalence and hesitancy to switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes among older adults. METHODS Participants reported cigarette use (n=8072) at Wave 5 (2018-2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions included six age categories (independent variable) and cigarette and e-cigarette risk perceptions (outcomes). Additional models assessed the associations between dichotomous age (≥55 vs 18-54), risk perceptions and an interaction term (independent variables) with past 12-month quit attempts and past-month e-cigarette use (outcomes). RESULTS Adults aged ≥65 were less likely than adults aged 18-24 to rate cigarettes as very/extremely harmful (p<0.05). Odds of rating e-cigarettes as more harmful than cigarettes among adults aged 55-64 and ≥65 were 1.71 (p<0.001) and 1.43 (p=0.024) greater than for adults aged 18-24. This misperception was negatively associated with past-month e-cigarette use and was stronger among adults aged ≥55 (p<0.001) than adults aged <55 (p<0.001). DISCUSSION Adults aged ≥55 are more likely to have misperceptions about the absolute and relative risks of tobacco products, which may contribute to continued smoking. Health communications targeting this age group could modify beliefs about the perceived harms of tobacco products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L Denlinger-Apte
- Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Cornacchione Ross
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dana Mowls Carroll
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - F Joseph McClernon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Polosa R, Casale TB, Tashkin DP. A Close Look at Vaping in Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:2831-2842. [PMID: 35718259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vaping by adolescents and young adults is a legitimate concern as there is a risk that some may start smoking and that electronic cigarette (EC) use may have adverse effects in the developing lungs of adolescents. This commentary provides updated information on vaping patterns among adolescents and young adults in the United States, as well as the impact of EC usage on respiratory health. EC use has surged greatly among high school students and young adults over the last decade but fortunately has declined significantly since its peak in 2019. During the same time period, smoking rates have constantly fallen to new low record levels. These trends argue against EC use as a gateway to smoking. Most EC usage is infrequent and unlikely to increase a person's risk of negative health consequences. Furthermore, the majority of EC usage has happened among those who have previously smoked. There is a dearth of data on the long-term health implications of EC usage in adolescents and young adults. We do not know whether short-term or intermittent use of EC in youth can lead to negative health outcomes in adulthood, and long-term high-quality studies in well-defined groups are needed. Although vaping has been linked to respiratory symptoms, they tend to be transient and of uncertain significance. This commentary provides up-to-date information so health care providers can give objective and responsible medical advice on EC usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Polosa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), Università di Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Addiction (CPCT), Teaching Hospital "Policlinico V. Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy; ECLAT Srl, Spin-off of the University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Institute of Internal Medicine, AOU "Policlinico V. Emanuele-S. Marco," Catania, Italy.
| | - Thomas B Casale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy/Immunology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla
| | - Donald P Tashkin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Health Sciences, Los Angeles, Calif
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gravely S, Yong HH, Reid JL, East KA, Gartner CE, Levy DT, Cummings KM, Borland R, Quah ACK, Bansal-Travers M, Ouimet J, Fong GT. Do Current Smokers and Ex-Smokers Who Use Nicotine Vaping Products Daily Versus Weekly Differ on Their Reasons for Vaping? Findings from the 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192114130. [PMID: 36361015 PMCID: PMC9653847 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study examined reasons why adults who currently smoke or formerly smoked cigarettes use nicotine vaping products (NVPs) by vaping frequency (daily vs. weekly) stratified by smoking status. This cross-sectional study included 3070 adults from the 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey (Australia, Canada, England, United States) who reported using a NVP (vaping) at least weekly and who either currently smoke (n = 2467) or formerly smoked (n = 603). Respondents were asked to select the reason(s) they use NVPs, including to manage their smoking (reduce/quit or remain quit) and/or for reasons unrelated to managing smoking (e.g., to save money, enjoyment, flavours). We found that both current and former smokers endorsed an average of six reasons for vaping, with those vaping daily reporting significantly more reasons than those vaping weekly. Among current smokers, 72.8% reported vaping may help them quit smoking, 13.0% reported vaping to reduce smoking but not to quit, and 14.2% reported vaping only for reasons other than to reduce or quit smoking. The most common reason for vaping among current smokers was to reduce smoking (81.3%). Current smokers vaping daily were significantly more likely than those vaping weekly to report using a NVP to reduce smoking, for enjoyment, to reduce harm to themselves and others, to quit smoking, likeable flavours, and to save money. The most common reason cited for vaping by respondents who formerly smoked was enjoyment, with those who vaped daily more likely than those who vaped weekly to report vaping for enjoyment and to reduce harm to themselves. Nearly all reported vaping to help stay abstinent from smoking (92.3%), with no significant difference by vaping frequency. In conclusion, a majority of respondents reported using NVPs to manage their smoking (reduce/quit smoking or remain quit), particularly those vaping daily. Those who were vaping daily also endorsed a greater number of reasons other than managing smoking relative to those who were vaping weekly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Gravely
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hua-Hie Yong
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Jessica L. Reid
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Katherine A. East
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, Addictions Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8BB, UK
| | - Coral E. Gartner
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, The Public Health Building, Corner of Wyndham St and Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - David T. Levy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - K. Michael Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Ron Borland
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anne C. K. Quah
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Maansi Bansal-Travers
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Janine Ouimet
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Geoffrey T. Fong
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, 661 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|