Electronic cigarette: users profile, utilization, satisfaction and perceived efficacy

Abstract

Aims To assess the profile, utilization patterns, satisfaction and perceived effects among users of electronic cigarettes ('e-cigarettes'). Design and Setting Internet survey in English and French in 2010. Measurements Online questionnaire. Participants Visitors of websites and online discussion forums dedicated to e-cigarettes and to smoking cessation. Findings There were 3587 participants (70% former tobacco smokers, 61% men, mean age 41 years). The median duration of electronic cigarette use was 3 months, users drew 120 puffs/day and used five refills/day. Almost all (97%) used e-cigarettes containing nicotine. Daily users spent $33 per month on these products. Most (96%) said the e-cigarette helped them to quit smoking or reduce their smoking (92%). Reasons for using the e-cigarette included the perception that it was less toxic than tobacco (84%), to deal with craving for tobacco (79%) and withdrawal symptoms (67%), to quit smoking or avoid relapsing (77%), because it was cheaper than smoking (57%) and to deal with situations where smoking was prohibited (39%). Most ex-smokers (79%) feared they might relapse to smoking if they stopped using the e-cigarette. Users of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes reported better relief of withdrawal and a greater effect on smoking cessation than those using non-nicotine e-cigarettes. Conclusions E-cigarettes were used much as people would use nicotine replacement medications: by former smokers to avoid relapse or as an aid to cut down or quit smoking. Further research should evaluate the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes for administration of nicotine and other substances, and for quitting and relapse prevention.

Acute electronic cigarette use: nicotine delivery and subjective effects in regular users

“…Whilst surveys and small scale clinical studies suggest successful replacement of smoking with e-cigarettes due to the presence of nicotine (Dawkins et al, 2013;Etter & Bullen, 2011;Polosa et al, 2011;Siegel, Tanwar & Wood, 2011), effects of vaping on blood nicotine levels are relatively unexplored. In the current study, a significant increase in plasma nicotine level was observed 10 mins after taking 10 puffs on the e-cigarette (from 0.74 ng/ml to 6.77 ng/ml).…”

“…Whilst surveys of users and small scale clinical studies suggest their potential for smoking cessation and harm 4 reduction (Caponneto et al, 2013;Dawkins et al, 2013;Etter & Bullen, 2011;Polosa et al, 2011) their ability to deliver nicotine is under-explored.…”

Short‐Term E‐Cigarette Exposure Increases the Risk of Thrombogenesis and Enhances Platelet Function in Mice

“…A 15‐minute break between the 2 exposure sessions was given so that the animals could access fresh air, food, and water. The puff duration was 3 seconds, puff interval 1 minute, and the puff volume was 50 mL, all of which mimics real‐life exposure scenarios 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33. As for the controls or control mice, they were matched in terms of age and sex (ie, 10‐week‐old males), and were exposed to clean air.…”

The Regulatory Challenge of Electronic Cigarettes

“…7,8 However, longitudinal analysis using population-level data found no difference in quit rates between e-cigarette users and nonusers. 9 Controlled clinical trials and populationlevel observational cohort studies are needed to establish the utility of these cigarettes to facilitate smoking cessation.…”