A thematic analysis of smokers' and non-smokers' accounts of E-cigarettes.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Wilson GL
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8739557 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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A thematic analysis of smokers' and non-smokers' accounts of E-cigarettes.
Wilson Georgia Louise GL Grogan Sarah S Powell Susan S Gee Ivan I Porcellato Lorna L Keenan Joseph J
Journal of health psychology 20200304 1
This study explored smokers' and non-smokers' accounts of E-cigarettes. A total of 51 UK-based participants, 20 men and 31 women, responded to open-ended questions online. Inductive thematic analysis identified that the factors that influence E-cigarette behaviour and opinion in adult smokers and non-smokers are related to <i>social context, informative sources, practical aspects</i> and <i>health implications.</i> Participants presented varying accounts of E-cigarettes, suggesting that individu ...[more]
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Project description:Objectives Appearance-related interventions to promote healthy behaviour have been found effective to communicate health risks. The current study aimed to explore women smokers' experiences of age-progression software showing the effects of smoking on the face. Methods A qualitative design was implemented, utilizing both individual interviews and focus groups within a critical realist framework. Fifteen, 19–52 year-old women smokers were administered an age-progression intervention. All participants responded to the intervention, engaged in semi-structured interviews, and were invited back to attend one of three focus groups. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Four main themes were identified: Health versus Appearance, Shock Reaction, Perceived Susceptibility, and Intention to Quit. Participants found the intervention useful, voicing need for a comprehensive approach that includes both appearance and health. Despite increases in appearance-based apps which could diminish impact, women's accounts of shock induced by the aged smoking-morphed images were similar to previous work conducted more than ten years previously. Conclusions The study provides novel insights in how women smokers currently perceive, and react to, an age-progression intervention for smoking cessation. Innovation Findings emphasise the implementation of this intervention type accompanied by health information in a range of patient settings. Highlights • Experiences of an age-progression intervention were explored in women aged 19–52• Shock was experienced despite increased availability of facial-ageing technology• Focus on health should be accompanied with appearance to impact smoking behaviour• The intervention could be implemented in patient settings for health promotion
| S-EPMC10194392 | biostudies-literature
Project description:To assess the relations of menthol cigarette use with measures of cessation success in a large comparative effectiveness trial (CET).Participants were randomized to one of six medication treatment conditions in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. All participants received six individual counseling sessions.Community-based smokers in two communities in Wisconsin, USA.A total of 1504 adult smokers who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day during the past 6 months and reported being motivated to quit smoking. The analysis sample comprised 1439 participants: 814 white non-menthol smokers, 439 white menthol smokers and 186 African American (AA) menthol smokers. There were too few AA non-menthol smokers (n = 16) to be included in the analyses.Nicotine lozenge, nicotine patch, bupropion sustained release, nicotine patch + nicotine lozenge, bupropion + nicotine lozenge and placebo.Biochemically confirmed 7-day point-prevalence abstinence assessed at 4, 8 and 26 weeks post-quit.In longitudinal abstinence analyses (generalized estimating equations) controlling for cessation treatment, menthol smoking was associated with reduced likelihood of smoking cessation success relative to non-menthol smoking [model-based estimates of abstinence = 31 versus 38%, respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59, 0.86]. In addition, among menthol smokers, AA women were at especially high risk of cessation failure relative to white women (estimated abstinence = 17 versus 35%, respectively; OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.75, 3.96; estimated abstinence rates for AA males and white males were both 30%, OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.60, 1.66).In the United States, smoking menthol cigarettes appears to be associated with reduced cessation success compared with non-menthol smoking, especially in African American females.
| S-EPMC4443703 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionBans of menthol characterizing flavor in cigarettes have been implemented in some localities and have been proposed more broadly. One proposed benefit of such a ban is to increase cessation rates among current menthol smokers. There is currently relatively limited data regarding how smoking behavior changes if menthol smokers switch to non-menthol cigarettes.Aims and methodsAfrican American menthol smokers interested in quitting smoking were randomized to either continue smoking menthol (n = 60) or switch to non-menthol cigarettes (n = 62) for 1 month prior to a cessation attempt. Cessation results were reported previously; this analysis reports the results from the pre-cessation visits at which amount smoked, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, urinary cotinine concentrations, and subjective measures were assessed.ResultsOver the 4-week study period, those switching to non-menthol (vs. continuing to smoke menthol) cigarettes smoked fewer cigarettes per day (mean ratio: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76, 0.98; p = .02), reported lower withdrawal symptom severity (mean difference -1.29; 95% CI: -2.6 to -0.01; p = .05) and higher perceived effectiveness of their skills for quitting smoking (mean difference 0.56; 95% CI: 0.02-1.10; p = .05). No significant differences were found between groups in exhaled CO, urinary cotinine concentrations, or most other subjective effects including support for a ban on menthol characterizing flavor in cigarettes.ConclusionsThese results suggest that were menthol cigarettes no longer available, those that switch to non-menthol cigarettes would not change their smoking behavior in a way that is likely to be more hazardous, with some indicators suggesting that there may be some benefit.Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT02342327.ImplicationsA ban on menthol characterizing flavor in cigarettes has been proposed as a potential means by which to increase smoking cessation rates among current menthol cigarette smokers. This study evaluated how African American menthol cigarette smokers adjusted their smoking behavior after switching to non-menthol cigarettes. Although the overall differences between groups were modest, they were in a direction consistent with decreased smoking suggesting that current smokers would not adjust their behavior in a way that is likely to be more hazardous, with some indicators suggesting that there may be some benefits.
| S-EPMC8496474 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundE-cigarettes have gained popularity among teenagers due to extensive marketing strategies on social media platforms. This widespread promotion is a risk factor, as it fosters more positive attitudes toward e-cigarette use among teenagers and increases the perception that using e-cigarettes is normal. Therefore, the marketing of e-cigarettes on social media is a serious global health concern, and its strategies and impact should be clearly identified.ObjectiveThis study examined how e-cigarette companies popularize their products via Weibo and identified the specific strategies influencing the effectiveness of their marketing.MethodsIn phase 1, we conducted a search on Qcc.com and identified 32 e-cigarette brands with active Weibo accounts between October 1 and December 31, 2020, along with 863 Weibo posts. The data were investigated through content analysis. The codebook was developed into four categories: (1) product and features, (2) sales and promotions, (3) social contact and interaction, and (4) restrictions and warnings. To further understand the factors influencing e-cigarette brand marketing, we conducted a multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsMarketing tactics by e-cigarette companies on Chinese social media were documented, including emphasizing attractive product features, using trendy characters, implicit promotions, downplaying health concerns, and engaging with Weibo users in various ways. Out of 863 posts, 449 (52%) mentioned product characteristics. In 313 (36.3%) posts, visible figures were used to attract attention. Product promotion was absent in 762 (88.3%) posts, and purchase channels were not mentioned in 790 (98.3%) posts. Social interaction-related posts received attention (n=548, 63.5%), particularly those featuring hashtag content (n=538, 62.3%). Most posts did not include claims for restrictions on teenagers' purchases or use (n=687, 79.6%) or information on health warnings (n=839, 97.2%). Multiple linear regression analysis identified marketing strategies that effectively increase the exposure of e-cigarette posts on Weibo. Posts including engagement via posts encouraging reposts, comments, and likes (P<.001) and engagement topics related to e-cigarette brands were positively correlated with the number of reposts (P=.009). Posts highlighting nonmonetary incentives (P=.004), posts with age restriction statements (P<.001), engaging via stories and idea collection (P<.001), and engagement topics related to products (P<.001) and current affairs (P=.002) had a positive effect on the number of comments. Engagement topics related to brands (P<.001) or interactive sweepstakes (P<.001) had a positive effect on the number of likes.ConclusionsE-cigarette posts on Weibo that focus on product features and social interaction attract public attention, especially from teenagers. Stricter regulations and monitoring should be adopted to restrict the social media marketing of e-cigarettes.
| S-EPMC11582489 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and aimsIn 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to reduce nicotine in cigarettes to minimally or non-addictive levels. This study qualitatively explored perceptions of nicotine and addiction, both independently and in response to messages communicating about nicotine reduction.DesignQualitative study using focus groups. Participants described their perceptions of nicotine and addiction and their responses to messages about the nicotine reduction.SettingAtlanta, GA and San Francisco, CA, USA. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted virtually in Spring 2020.ParticipantsExclusive smokers (n = 27), dual users (of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes) (n = 25), former smokers (n = 32) and young adult non-smokers (n = 31).MeasurementInductive thematic analysis of transcripts was conducted, and results were compared across smoking status groups.FindingsParticipants across all smoking status groups associated nicotine with tobacco products, but consistently misperceived that nicotine caused disease. Perceptions of addiction were largely negative and varied by smoking status. Experienced smokers (exclusive smokers, former smokers and dual users) differentiated tobacco use from other addictions and minimized their own experiences of addiction. Perceptions of addiction across experienced smokers included not only the chemical properties of nicotine, but also the behavioral aspects of tobacco use, including oral fixation, having a smoking routine and response to internal and external cues. In response to messages, many believed that removing the nicotine would not make cigarettes less addictive because of the multi-factorial nature of smoking addiction that includes non-pharmacological cues.ConclusionsPerceptions of nicotine and addiction among non-smokers, former smokers, exclusive smokers and dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes vary based on smoking status, but there is a common tendency to believe that nicotine is addictive, that addiction results from more than just nicotine, and that very low nicotine cigarettes will not necessarily reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes.
| S-EPMC8733050 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe perceived health benefits and effectiveness of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in quitting smoking may affect e-cigarette usage, however, research on the use of e-cigarettes among the Chinese, especially among the rural Chinse, is scarce. This study examined factors associated with perceptions of e-cigarette related harms, benefits, and addictiveness, among smoker and non-smoker households with children in rural China, to support the design of population-based interventions targeting rural Chinese households.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study design, using a structured questionnaire, we collected data from the household members of children in two selected rural communities in China. Descriptive analyses were used to characterize respondents; χ2 test and Fisher's exact probability test were used to compare the perceptions of e-cigarettes between different sociodemographic groups. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors for e-cigarette harms, benefits, and addictiveness, adjusting for demographic and other characteristics.ResultsThe overall participation rate was 81% (1211/1498). Of the participants, 668 (55%) were smokers and 543 (45%) were non-smokers; 53% knew about e-cigarettes. Participants from rural Dali (77% vs 59%), those who were ethnic minority (76% vs 59%), those who perceived increased COPD risks from smoking (mean score 4.37 vs 4.18) and concerned about harmful effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure to children (mean score 4.48 vs 4.30) and adults (mean score 4.06 vs 3.87) were more likely to believe that e-cigarettes were less harmful (p<0.05). Participants with more knowledge about the harm of smoking were more likely to believe that e-cigarettes were helpful in quitting smoking (p<0.05). Of those participants who knew about e-cigarettes, females (19%) were significantly more likely to believe that e-cigarettes are addictive than males (10%). In the logistic regression analyses, believing e-cigarettes are helpful to quit smoking was the only variable associated with holding a higher knowledge about smoking and SHS exposure (OR=0.608; 95% CI: 0.450-0.820).ConclusionsOur results showed that more than half of the rural household members who have a child at home were aware of e-cigarettes. Knowledge about health impacts of SHS exposure and perceptions about the benefits, harms and addictiveness of e-cigarette use varied among the participants, with a significant proportion of participants having wrong information. Public health campaigns to disseminate evidence-based information of e-cigarette benefits and harms are warranted. As knowledge about the harmfulness of smoking and SHS exposure was associated with perceived e-cigarette benefits, particular focus should be given to increasing knowledge about the health hazards related to smoking and SHS exposure.
| S-EPMC8033598 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionIn September 2014, CVS Health ceased tobacco sales in all of its 7700 pharmacies nationwide. We investigate the impact of the CVS policy on the number of cigarettes smoked per day among metropolitan daily and non-daily smokers, who may respond to the availability of smoking cues in different manners.MethodsData are from the US Census Bureau Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey 2014-2015 and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Institute Community Health Management Hub. Adjusted difference-in-difference (DID) regressions assess changes in the number of cigarettes smoked per day among daily smokers (n=10 759) and non-daily smokers (n=3055), modelling core-based statistical area (CBSA) level CVS pharmacy market share continuously. To assess whether the policy had non-linear effects across the distribution of CVS market share, we also examine market share using tertiles.ResultsCVS's tobacco-free pharmacy policy was associated with a significant reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked by non-daily smokers in the continuous DID (rate ratio=0.985, p=0.022), with a larger reduction observed among non-daily smokers in CBSAs in the highest third of CVS market share compared with those living in CBSAs with no CVS presence (rate ratio=0.706, p=0.027). The policy, however, was not significantly associated with differential changes in the number of cigarettes by daily smokers.ConclusionThe removal of tobacco products from CVS pharmacies was associated with a reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day among non-daily smokers in metropolitan CBSAs, particularly those in which CVS had a large pharmacy market share.
| S-EPMC8499493 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionMost pregnant smokers report abruptly reducing their cigarettes per day (CPD) by ~50% after learning of pregnancy and making further smaller reductions over the remainder of their pregnancy. Laboratory and naturalistic studies with non-pregnant smokers have found that these types of reductions often lead to changes in smoking topography (i.e., changes in smoking intensity to maintain a desired blood-nicotine level). If pregnant women smoke more intensely, they may expose themselves and their offspring to similar levels of toxicants despite reporting reductions in CPD.MethodsPregnant and non-pregnant female smokers (n = 20 and 89, respectively) participated. At the experimental session, after biochemical confirmation of acute abstinence, participants smoked one usual brand cigarette ad lib through a Borgwaldt CReSS Desktop Smoking Topography device. Carbon monoxide (CO) and measures of nicotine withdrawal, craving, and reinforcement derived from smoking were also collected.ResultsThe two groups did not differ on demographic or smoking characteristics at screening, except nicotine metabolism rate, which as expected, was faster in pregnant smokers. Analyses suggest that none of the smoking topography parameters differed between pregnant and non-pregnant smokers, although pregnant smokers had a significantly smaller CO boost. Both groups reported similar levels of relief of withdrawal and craving after smoking, but other subjective effects suggest that pregnant smokers find smoking less reinforcing than non-pregnant smokers.ConclusionsPregnant smokers do not smoke cigarettes differently than non-pregnant women, but appear to find smoking comparatively less pleasurable.ImplicationsThis is the first study to assess smoking topography in pregnant women. Pregnant women appear to be at increased risk for smoking cigarettes with more intensity because of (1) their tendency to make significant abrupt reductions in the number of cigarettes they smoke each day after learning of pregnancy and (2) an increase in nicotine metabolism induced by pregnancy. Despite these changes, the present results suggest that pregnant women do not smoke cigarettes more intensely or in a way that causes more toxicant exposure, perhaps due to a reportedly less pleasurable smoking experience.
| S-EPMC6121910 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundFlavour capsule cigarettes are one of the fastest growing segments of the tobacco market, and there is evidence that Australian young people are increasingly using menthol flavoured capsule cigarettes. This qualitative research examines how young women construct and experience menthol flavour capsule cigarettes as part of their smoking practices, and explores the perceived differences between menthol capsule cigarettes and regular cigarettes. Semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 41 Australian young women smokers, using a constructivist grounded theory approach.ResultsFindings reveal that the perceived fresh and improved taste of menthol and the ability to customise the smoking process positively contributed to young women's experiences of smoking menthol capsule cigarettes. In particular, menthol capsule flavour cigarettes were constructed by the young women as "fresh", "light" and "minty", and "popping" the menthol capsule allowed the young women to personalise their smoking experience.ConclusionThese results indicate that specific public health campaigns and legislation should be developed to counter the powerfully alluring effects and the innovative appeal of menthol capsule cigarettes.
| S-EPMC8051088 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionMenthol cigarette use remains a serious public health problem, prompting the consideration of tobacco regulatory efforts to ban menthol cigarettes. The current study uses a novel empirical design to model the potential effects of a ban of menthol cigarettes on smoking behaviour among current menthol smokers.Methods29 non-treatment-seeking adults who smoked menthol cigarettes were recruited in Connecticut in 2017-2018 (n=15 female; n=17 Black, n=10 White, n=5 Hispanic). Repeated-measures analyses examined within-person changes in smoking behaviour when participants were switched from smoking their usual brand menthol cigarettes to a matched-brand non-menthol cigarette for 2 weeks to model a potential ban of menthol cigarettes.ResultsParticipants smoked significantly fewer non-menthol (vs menthol) cigarettes per day (mean decrease=2.2 cigarettes, SD=3.2, p<0.001), confirmed by significant reductions in urine cotinine levels (p=0.013). After switching to non-menthol cigarettes, participants had significantly lower nicotine dependence scores (reduced by >18%, p<0.001) and greater increases in quitting motivation and confidence (rated 1-10) (motivation: mean increase=2.1, SD=2.8, p<0.001; confidence: mean increase=1.3, SD=3.3, p=0.04). Exploratory analyses indicated significant interactions by race (p=0.004); Black smokers had greater reductions in cigarettes per day (mean decrease=3.5 cigarettes, SD=2.8) versus non-Black smokers (mean decrease=0.2, SD=2.6).ConclusionsBanning menthol as a characterising flavour in cigarettes may decrease smoking and reduce the addictive potential of cigarettes among current smokers. Results provide additional support for tobacco regulatory policies banning menthol flavour in an effort to improve public health.Trial registrationNCT03075839.
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