J Addict Med 2021 Jun 14. Epub 2021 Jun 14.
Academy for Sport and Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing Department, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK (GJ), Lifestyle Exercise and Nutrition Improvement (LENI) Research Group, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK (GJ, EM, MK), Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK and SPECTRUM Research Consortium, UK (LSB).
Objectives: There is a lack of evidence exploring experiences of using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. The study's main aim was to explore participant experiences of e-cigarettes compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) delivered through stop smoking services.
Methods: Semi-structured, face-to-face, and telephone interviews at 3-month post-quit follow-up in a randomized controlled trial comparing nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, nicotine-free e-cigarettes, and NRT for smoking cessation. N = 17 participants, 9 were male, mean age 44 years, 5 using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, 7 nicotine-free e-cigarettes, and 5 NRT. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Two global themes and 5 organizing themes were identified. Global themes included: (1) experiences of e-cigarette and NRT quit aids (e-cigarette positive impact and dilemmas, NRT perceptions and experiences), and (2) key mechanisms to support quit attempt (physical aids, advice and support, feedback and structure). E-cigarettes were viewed with caution, however, generally evaluated positively alongside NRT methods, finding e-cigarettes useful during a quit attempt due to their versatility in application. Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes were favored due to their support with nicotine cravings. Participants were, however, wary of replacing smoking addiction with vaping habit.
Conclusions: Participant e-cigarette experience were generally positive; however, concerns over long-term application were noted. There was a noticeable preference for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, but further research is required to better understand how nicotine is used in conjunction with e-cigarettes long-term as a quit aid alongside other NRT.