Lynne Dawkins (LSBU), Catherine Kimber (UEL), Mira Doig (ABS labs), Colin Feyerabend (ABS labs) and Olivia Corcoran (UEL).
Presenter(s)
Dr Lynne Dawkins Associate Professor of Psychology, London South Bank University, London
Abstract
Rationale:
Self-titration is well documented in the tobacco literature. The extent to which e-cigarette users (vapers) self-titrate is unknown.
Objective:
This study explored the effects of high and low nicotine strength liquid on puffing topography, nicotine delivery and subjective effects in experienced vapers.
Methods:
Eleven experienced male vapers completed 60 minutes of ad libitum vaping under low (6 mg/mL) and high (24 mg/mL) nicotine liquid conditions in two separate sessions. Measurements included: puffing topography (puff number, puff duration, volume of liquid consumed); and changes in: plasma nicotine levels, craving, withdrawal symptoms, self-reported hit, satisfaction and adverse effects.
Results:
Liquid consumption and puff number were higher, and puff duration longer, in the low nicotine strength condition (all ps < 0.01). The mean difference in nicotine boost from baseline in the low condition was 8.59 (7.52) ng/mL, 16.99 (11.72) ng/mL and 22.03 (16.19) ng/mL at 10, 30 and 60 minutes respectively. Corresponding values for the high condition were 33.77 (34.88) ng/mL, 35.48 (28.31) ng/mL and 43.57 (34.78) ng/mL (ps < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between conditions in self-reported craving, withdrawal symptoms, satisfaction, hit or adverse effects.
Conclusions:
Vapers engaged in compensatory puffing with lower nicotine strength liquid, more than doubling their consumption. Whilst compensatory puffing was sufficient to reduce craving and withdrawal discomfort, self-titration was incomplete with significantly higher plasma nicotine levels in the high condition.
Source of funding: The study was funded by a UEL PhD studentship awarded to the second author.
Declaration of interest: Dr Dawkins has previously conducted research for several independent electronic cigarette companies. These companies had no input into the design, conduct or write up of the projects. She has also acted as a consultant for the pharmaceutical industry and as an expert witness in an e-cigarette patent infringement case.
