Distinguishing Characteristics of E-Cigarette Users Who Attempt and Fail to Quit: Dependence, Perceptions, and Affective Vulnerability

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a prevalent form of substance use among adults. Because of the novelty of e-cigarettes, users may not fully understand the consequences of long-term use and the potential difficulties involved with quitting e-cigarettes. Given the projected rise in the use of e-cigarettes, it is important to understand possible contributing factors that may influence e-cigarette quit difficulty. In the current study, we evaluated whether those with a previous e-cigarette quit attempt differed from those who made no such attempt on specific and broad-based use factors among 560 current adult e-cigarette users (51.5% female; mean age = 35.27 years, SD = 10.22). Results demonstrated that e-cigarette users with previous quit attempts had significantly higher rates of e-cigarette dependence, had perceived barriers to quitting, and held both positive and negative expectancies regarding e-cigarette use. Those with previous e-cigarette quit attempts also endorsed higher levels of affective vulnerability across most studied constructs. Findings suggest that a substantial portion of current e-cigarette users struggle to remain abstinent from e-cigarette use and highlight potential factors that may portend relapse. Longitudinal work is needed to provide a more thorough understanding of e-cigarette use patterns, perceptions, and quit behavior.