Perceptions about e-cigarette flavors: a qualitative investigation of young adult cigarette smokers who use e-cigarettes
Julia Cen Chen, Kerry Green, Craig Fryer & Dina Borzekowski
Pages 420-428 | Received 13 Mar 2018, Accepted 22 Oct 2018, Published online: 22 Jan 2019
Download citation https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2018.1540693
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Abstract
Background: Although in recent years, an increased number of young adult smokers have used flavored e-cigarettes, little research has been conducted to explore young adult smokers’ perceptions about e-cigarette flavors.
Methods: This study used qualitative methods to examine young adult smokers’ perceptions towards e-cigarette flavors, their intentions of using e-cigarettes given a flavor ban, and their perceived role of e-cigarette flavors in their smoking behaviors. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore these themes among a purposive sample of 25 young adult smokers in the U.S. (aged 18–34) who had used e-cigarettes to reduce cigarette smoking. Thematic content analysis was employed to assess the qualitative data.
Results: Most participants reported enjoying e-cigarettes with fruit, candy, dessert or menthol/mint flavors and valued having a wide selection of flavors. Most participants reported that they would likely quit or significantly reduce e-cigarette use if e-cigarette flavors were banned. Participants had little knowledge of the nicotine concentration in their e-cigarettes or the harm associated with the use of e-cigarette flavorings. Additionally, participants perceived e-cigarette flavorings as helpful in cutting down smoking by allowing for increased e-cigarette use frequency and duration.
Conclusion: Participants indicated positive perceptions towards e-cigarette flavors and considered the role of e-cigarette flavors to be important in cutting down on cigarettes. Banning or restricting flavored e-cigarettes may discourage participants from using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. The lack of knowledge about flavored e-cigarettes’ harm and risks, together with the escalated consumption of flavored e-cigarettes, are causes for concern and warrant further attention.
Keywords: Electronic cigarettes, flavored tobacco, vaping, cigarette smoking, qualitative research, in-depth interview
Julia Cen Chen, Kerry Green, Craig Fryer & Dina Borzekowski
Pages 420-428 | Received 13 Mar 2018, Accepted 22 Oct 2018, Published online: 22 Jan 2019
Download citation https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2018.1540693
Select Language▼
Translator disclaimer
Abstract
Background: Although in recent years, an increased number of young adult smokers have used flavored e-cigarettes, little research has been conducted to explore young adult smokers’ perceptions about e-cigarette flavors.
Methods: This study used qualitative methods to examine young adult smokers’ perceptions towards e-cigarette flavors, their intentions of using e-cigarettes given a flavor ban, and their perceived role of e-cigarette flavors in their smoking behaviors. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore these themes among a purposive sample of 25 young adult smokers in the U.S. (aged 18–34) who had used e-cigarettes to reduce cigarette smoking. Thematic content analysis was employed to assess the qualitative data.
Results: Most participants reported enjoying e-cigarettes with fruit, candy, dessert or menthol/mint flavors and valued having a wide selection of flavors. Most participants reported that they would likely quit or significantly reduce e-cigarette use if e-cigarette flavors were banned. Participants had little knowledge of the nicotine concentration in their e-cigarettes or the harm associated with the use of e-cigarette flavorings. Additionally, participants perceived e-cigarette flavorings as helpful in cutting down smoking by allowing for increased e-cigarette use frequency and duration.
Conclusion: Participants indicated positive perceptions towards e-cigarette flavors and considered the role of e-cigarette flavors to be important in cutting down on cigarettes. Banning or restricting flavored e-cigarettes may discourage participants from using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. The lack of knowledge about flavored e-cigarettes’ harm and risks, together with the escalated consumption of flavored e-cigarettes, are causes for concern and warrant further attention.
Keywords: Electronic cigarettes, flavored tobacco, vaping, cigarette smoking, qualitative research, in-depth interview
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