Lynne Dawkins, Catherine Kimber and Yasothani Puwanesarasa
Presenter(s)
Lynne Dawkins Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of East London, Stratford, London
Abstract
A wide range of electronic cigarettes (EC) are available, ranging from first generation ‘cigarette-like’ to new generation (non cigarette-like), refillable variable voltage devices. This study aimed to explore predictors of device choice in 100 e-cigarette naïve smokers and to compare a ‘first’ and ‘second-generation’ device for reduction of tobacco craving and withdrawal symptoms (WS).
Abstinent smokers were presented with two ECs; a disposable cigarette-like and a second generation ‘eGo’ and asked to choose which they would use in a quit attempt. None of the variables entered (gender, age, tobacco dependence, cigarettes per day or impulsivity) significantly predicted choice. Participants then rated their current urge to smoke and WS (MPSS) before, and 10mins after, taking 10 puffs (3sec duration, 30s IPI) on one of the randomly allocated devices.
There was a statistically significant reduction in urge to smoke and WS after using the EC but no interaction with EC type. Individual differences such as age, tobacco dependence and impulsivity did not predict device choice, nor was there support for prior indications that females may prefer cigarette-like devices. Both devices were effective at alleviating craving and WS suggesting that cigarette-like disposable devices can be as effective as second generation devices.
Source of funding: None
Declaration of interest: The electronic cigarettes used in this study were provided by Totally Wicked. Totally Wicked had no involvement in the design, execution, analysis or dissemination of findings relating to this study.
