An exploratory analysis of adult daily smokers' experiences using e-cigarettes in smoke-free places

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Authors

Smiley, Sabrina L.
Kierstead, Elexis C.
Harvey, Emily
Abudayyeh, Haneen
Pearson, Jennifer L.

Issue Date

2018

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Article

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Keywords

qualitative study , cigarettes , cigarette smokers , smoke-free environments

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Abstract

Evidence indicates that one reason cigarette smokers value e-cigarettes is the ability to use them in places where smoking is not permitted. We sought to: 1) explore adult daily smokers' experiences using e-cigarettes in the context of smoke-free places
and 2) describe smokers' perceptions of bystanders' reactions. METHODS Twenty adult daily smokers in Washington, DC initiated e-cigarettes for three weeks and completed in semi-structured interviews at the end of each week. All interviews (n=60) were digitally-recorded, transcribed verbatim, imported into NVivo 10.0, and analyzed using thematic analysis methodology. RESULTS The sample had a mean age of 37.9 years and 18 participants reported having smoked their first cigarette by age 18. Common themes included descriptions of: 1) uncertainty about whether smoke-free policies included e-cigarettes
2) using e-cigarettes in smoke-free places (e.g. restaurants, workplace, public transit-bus and rail)
3) approaches to e-cigarette use in smoke-free places as part of a complex decision-making process, ranging from testing and establishing the social and spatial boundaries of e-cigarette use, to confining e-cigarette use to inside their home
and 4) favorable, unfavorable, and impartial reactions from bystanders facilitated or impeded e-cigarette use, indicating social approval/social disapproval. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest a continuum of factors, including smoke-free policies and reactions from bystanders may facilitate or impede e-cigarette use among smokers in environments where a smoke-free imperative is well-established. As e-cigarette use evolves, study findings indicate the importance of the social environment and how it could affect those switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes.

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Citation

Smiley, S., Kierstead, E., Harvey, E., Abudayyeh, H., & Pearson, J. (2018). “I pulled out my e-cigarette right there and I was puffing”: An exploratory analysis of adult daily smokers’ experiences using e-cigarettes in smoke-free places. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 16(November). doi:10.18332/tid/98958

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1617-9625

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