'Vaping' profiles and preferences: an online survey of electronic cigarette users. (28th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dawkins, Lynne; Turner, John; Roberts, Amanda; Soar, Kirstie
• Is Part Of: Addiction. Volume 108:Number 6(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 1115
• Page End: 1125
• Publication Date: 2013-03-28
• Subjects: Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1111/add.12150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2140

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="add12150-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aims</title> <p>To characterize e‐cigarette use, users and effects in a sample of Electronic Cigarette Company (TECC) and Totally Wicked E‐Liquid (TWEL) users.</p> </sec> <sec id="add12150-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design and setting</title> <p>Online survey hosted at the University of East London with links from TECC/TWEL websites from September 2011 to May 2012.</p> </sec> <sec id="add12150-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Measurements</title> <p>Online questionnaire.</p> </sec> <sec id="add12150-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Participants</title> <p>One thousand three hundred and forty‐seven respondents from 33 countries (72% European), mean age 43 years, 70% male, 96% Causacian, 44% educated to degree level or above.</p> </sec> <sec id="add12150-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Findings</title> <p>Seventy‐four percent of participants reported not smoking for at least a few weeks since using the e‐cigarette and 70% reported reduced urge to smoke. Seventy‐two percent of participants used a 'tank' system, most commonly, the eGo‐C (23%). Mean duration of use was 10 months. Only 1% reported exclusive use of non‐nicotine (0 mg) containing liquid. E‐cigarettes were generally considered to be satisfying to use; elicit few side effects; be healthier than smoking; improve cough/breathing; and be associated with low levels of craving. Among ex‐smokers, 'time to first vape' was significantly longer than 'time to first cigarette' (<italic>t</italic><sub>1104</sub> = 11.16, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) suggesting a lower level of dependence to e‐cigarettes. Ex‐smokers reported significantly greater reduction in craving than current smokers (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>1</sub> = 133.66, <italic>P</italic> < 0.0007) although few other differences emerged between these groups. Compared with males, females opted more for chocolate/sweet flavours (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>1</sub> = 16.16, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) and liked the e‐cigarette because it resembles a cigarette (χ<sup>2</sup><sub>3</sub> = 42.65, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001).</p> </sec> <sec id="add12150-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>E‐cigarettes are used primarily for smoking cessation, but for a longer duration than nicotine replacement therapy, and users believe them to be safer than smoking.</p> </sec> </abstract>