Abstract
IntroductionScotland is one of the few countries in which e-cigarettes were available in prisons before the introduction of a comprehensive national smokefree policy, to assist in its implementation. This qualitative study explores the initial views and experiences of vaping in this specific context, from the perspective of people in custody (prisoners).Aims and MethodsTwenty-eight people in custody were interviewed approximately 1–2 months after rechargeable e-cigarettes were made available in prisons and 2–5 weeks before implementation of a smokefree policy. Data were thematically analyzed to identify the range and diversity of views and experiences.ResultsParticipants expressed support for e-cigarettes in preparation for the smokefree policy, describing their symbolic and practical value in this context. Uptake of vaping was strongly influenced by the need for participants to manage without tobacco in the near future. Participants evaluated their initial vaping experiences, either positively or negatively, in relation to the utility of e-cigarettes for mandated smoking abstinence and in providing satisfaction, pleasure, and novelty. Participant views on several issues related to e-cigarette use, both specific to the prison population (product choice and cost) and more generally (safety and long-term use), are explored.ConclusionsOur findings suggest possible benefits of e-cigarettes as one means of supporting smokefree policy in a population with many smokers. They also point to potential challenges posed by vaping in prisons and smokefree settings caring for similar populations. There is a need for ongoing measures to maximize the health benefits of smokefree settings and for further research on vaping in situations of enforced abstinence.ImplicationsTo our knowledge, no published studies have explored views and experiences of vaping in prison, when rechargeable vapes were new and the removal of tobacco was imminent. The results can inform tobacco control policy choices, planning and implementation in prisons and similar settings. In prison systems that permitting vaping, it is important that other measures (eg, information campaigns and nicotine dependence services) are implemented concurrently to minimize potential risks to the health or personal finances of people in custody.
Highlights
Scotland is one of the few countries in which e-cigarettes were available in prisons before the introduction of a comprehensive national smokefree policy, to assist in its implementation
Our findings suggest possible benefits of e-cigarettes as one means of supporting smokefree policy in a population with many smokers.They point to potential challenges posed by vaping in prisons and smokefree settings caring for similar populations.There is a need for ongoing measures to maximize the health benefits of smokefree settings and for further research on vaping in situations of enforced abstinence
We have reported Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff’s opinions relating to the hypothetical availability of e-cigarettes in prisons,[14] using data collected before it was known that e-cigarettes would be sold in prisons or that smokefree policy would be introduced
Summary
Scotland is one of the few countries in which e-cigarettes were available in prisons before the introduction of a comprehensive national smokefree policy, to assist in its implementation This qualitative study explores the initial views and experiences of vaping in this specific context, from the perspective of people in custody (prisoners). There has been much discussion about the balance of benefits and risks of e-cigarette use (hereafter, “vaping”) in public health circles, some focusing on its potential place in smokefree prisons.[9,10] Arguments for e-cigarettes in prison[11] relate to their potential to support individuals to stop smoking or cope without tobacco (based on evidence from community settings12) and to support prison services through challenging organizational change It has been suggested e-cigarettes may help to minimize negative organizational consequences associated with prison smokefree policies (eg, aggression/ violence and displacement use of other substances).[13] Possible risks of allowing e-cigarettes[9,10] in prison include their potential to be repurposed to charge illicit mobile phones or facilitate illicit drug taking, hazards of open-system e-cigarettes, uncertainties surrounding their role in maintaining nicotine dependence, and long-term health effects
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