What factors are associated with current smokers using or stopping e-cigarette use?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Control
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• A significant number of smokers attempt e-cigarette use, with many either discontinuing use or continuing to smoke traditional cigarettes concurrently (dual users).
• Understanding the factors influencing continued e-cigarette use versus discontinuation is crucial for public health strategies targeting smoking cessation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with ongoing e-cigarette use among smokers.
• To explore reasons for e-cigarette discontinuation in a population of adult smokers.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a UK population-based online survey data from 1489 current smokers aged 18+.
• Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess e-cigarette use status in relation to motivation to quit smoking, reasons for use, and demographic/smoking-related factors.

Main Results:

• Current dual users exhibited higher motivation to quit smoking compared to past users.
• Dual users were less nicotine-dependent and more likely to use e-cigarettes to reduce smoking or manage smoking restrictions.
• Primary reasons for discontinuing e-cigarette use included lack of perceived benefit for cravings and initial curiosity.

Conclusions:

• Ongoing e-cigarette use among smokers is linked to a stronger desire to quit, use as a smoking reduction tool, and navigating smoking bans.
• Factors such as motivation to quit, perceived utility in reducing smoking, and managing restrictions significantly influence continued e-cigarette engagement.