Qualitative exploration of longer versus shorter quit attempts among adults using E-Cigarettes for combustible cigarette cessation

Abstract

Empirical evidence about the effectiveness of using e-cigarettes to quit smoking cigarettes remains inconclusive, yet e-cigarettes are commonly used for smoking cessation. Moreover, people who have longer duration quit attempts are likely to have even longer quit attempts in the future. Researchers analyzed 40 qualitative interviews to assess adults’ experiences using e-cigarettes during their longest duration quit attempt. Interviewees quit smoking for ≥ one month (n = 20) or for shorter durations (n = 20). Thematic and comparative content analyses were used to analyze interview transcripts for factors facilitating or impeding the duration of quit attempts when using e-cigarettes. Participant narratives were mostly similar irrespective of their quit attempt duration. Six themes common across groups as well as themes more often discussed by people with shorter quit attempts are described. Most participants discussed using e-cigarette devices and flavors to either replace sensations similar to smoking combustible cigarettes (e.g., inhaling from a cylindrical object) or to distract themselves from cravings to smoke. E-cigarettes also were described by the majority of participants as useful for smoking cessation because they approximate combustible cigarette use, potentially reduce health-related harms, save money, and lead to reduced social stigma compared to smoking cigarettes. Those who reported shorter duration quit attempts shared e-cigarette product challenges, health concerns, needs for support. Study findings demonstrate the need for additional research on the factors that may increase the likelihood that using e-cigarettes will result in longer and sustained e-cigarette-based quit attempts among adults.