Novice users first exposure to, and experience of the Titan electronic cigerette: A mixed methods study
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Author(s)
Victoria Lawson, Sharon Cahill and Lynne Dawkins
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| Presenter(s) |
Sharon Cahill Senior Lecturer, University of East London, Straford, London |
Lynne Dawkins Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of East London, Stratford |
Abstract Electronic cigarettes are tobacco free smoking substitutes which mimic the look, feel and action of smoking whilst delivering nicotine via inhaled vapour. Published studies with regular users reveal strong endorsement of ECs for quitting yet no studies to date have explored novice users’ experience.
This mixed methods study aimed to explore the novice user experience of the EC; first ‘out-of-the-box’ and over one week explore the effects on craving, cigarette consumption and expired carbon monoxide.5 users completed daily smoking and craving diaries at baseline and during a one week quit attempt. Video and a focus group data were thematically analysed with three main themes identified: use of the e-cigarette; external factors; attitudes.
The novice users’ first experience was mixed with practical problems in the out-of-the-box first exposure and negative comparisons made to tobacco smoking but favourable comparisons to NRT. Overall number of cigarettes smoked and CO levels declined significantly from baseline but craving remained unchanged.
These findings suggest that EC use can reduce tobacco consumptions but highlights the need for clearer in-box instructions and more support for new EC users to guide them through the initial steep learning curve.
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Presenter biography Lynne Dawkins completed her PhD in 2001 and postdoctoral studies in 2006, both at Goldsmiths College, London, UK. She then took up a senior lecturer at the University of East London where she currently co-ordinates the Drugs and Addictive Behaviours Research Team. She specializes in nicotine addiction and smoking cessation; current research is focusing on i) effects of the electronic cigarette and ii) response inhibition deficits in smokers along with implications for abstinence.
Sharon Cahill completed her phD in 2002, her interests lie in qualitative research and mixed methods.
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Source of funding: University of East London
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Declaration of interest: Lynne Dawkins has a collaborative relationship with Totally Wicked E Liquids (TWEL) who supplied the e-cigerattes and cartridges for this study. TWEL had no involvement on the design or conduct of the study.
The other authors have no conflicts of interest.
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