Dual Users and Electronic Cigarette Only Users: Consumption and Characteristics

Area of Science:

• Tobacco Control
• Public Health
• Addiction Science

Background:

• E-cigarette use is increasing, with devices often marketed for smoking cessation.
• Distinguishing between exclusive e-cigarette users and dual users (combustible tobacco and e-cigarettes) is crucial for understanding consumption patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the perceptions and consumption behaviors of dual e-cigarette and combustible tobacco users with those who use only e-cigarettes.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized the Electronic Cigarette Opinion Survey (ECOS) with 78 participants.
• Assessed e-juice quantity, nicotine consumption, and time to first nicotine exposure.
• Employed multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations between usage behaviors and user type.

Main Results:

• E-cigarette only users reported higher nicotine levels in e-juice and greater monthly nicotine intake compared to dual users.
• Dual users exhibited significantly earlier first nicotine exposure post-waking than e-cigarette only users.
• E-juice consumption and time to first nicotine exposure were significantly associated with being an e-cigarette only user.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight distinct usage patterns and nicotine consumption levels between e-cigarette only and dual users.
• Understanding these differences is vital for effective e-cigarette regulation and public health messaging.
• Public health campaigns must address the evolving and uncertain safety profile of e-cigarettes.