Perceptions of the effects of e-cigarettes

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of e-cigarettes has become a growing trend especially among smokers and former smokers. These electronic nicotine delivery devices deliver nicotine along with other chemical constituents of the e-liquid as a vapour and look similar to a tobacco cigarette. Despite lack of evidence on safety and effects on users, they have been used as a smoking cessation aid amid a rising concern that they might re-normalise smoking. Few qualitative studies have investigated the reasons why people use them and how their effects are perceived. This study explored the perceptions of e-cigarette users, including why they use them and the perceived harmful and beneficial effects. MethodsRecruitment was through distribution of fliers at e-cigarette shops in Liverpool and the University of Liverpool intranet between April 8 and June 30, 2014. In this qualitative study of six men and three women (seven PhD psychology students, one manager, and one hospitality professional), in-depth interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Informed consent was obtained and ethics approval granted by the University of Liverpool. FindingsFive themes emerged: on motivations for use, perceived health effects, use as a smoking cessation aid, stigma, and perceptions of the effects of proposed regulations. Motivations for use included an aid to reduce or quit smoking, cost (cheaper than tobacco cigarettes), and flexibility of use at work and social places. Participants reported health benefits of improved breathing and body odour and an adverse effect of dry throat. As a smoking cessation aid, users reported behavioural benefits including the ability to continue “the hand-to-mouth motion” and “blow smoke” which made e-cigarettes more acceptable than nicotine replacement therapies. E-cigarettes were perceived to be a better fit socially in terms of adopting a similar pattern of daily routines. Most participants perceived that use of nicotine replacement treatments to quit smoking was stigmatising because of their appearance. Lastly, participants perceived that proposed regulations might cause e-cigarettes to be banned at work and social places diminishing benefits of use. InterpretationThese findings suggest that e-cigarettes were perceived to be a more acceptable smoking cessation aid because of the behavioural and social benefits derived from their use and less stigmatising than nicotine replacement treatments. FundingNone.