TITLE:
Attitudes toward E-Cigarettes, Reasons for Initiating E-Cigarette Use, and Changes in Smoking Behavior after Initiation: A Pilot Longitudinal Study of Regular Cigarette Smokers
AUTHORS:
Carla J. Berg, Dana Boyd Barr, Erin Stratton, Cam Escoffery, Michelle Kegler
KEYWORDS:
E-Cigarettes, Cessation, Harm Reduction, Longitudinal Study, Nicotine Biomarkers
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.4 No.10,
October
24,
2014
ABSTRACT: Objectives: We examined 1) changes in smoking and vaping behavior and associated cotinine levels and health status among regular smokers who were first-time e-cigarette purchasers and 2) attitudes, intentions, and restrictions regarding e-cigarettes. Methods: We conducted a pilot longitudinal study with assessments of the aforementioned factors and salivary cotinine at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Eligibility criteria included being ≥18 years old, smoking ≥25 of the last 30 days, smoking ≥5 cigarettes per day (cpd), smoking regularly ≥1 year, and not having started using e-cigarettes. Of 72 individuals screened, 40 consented, 36 completed the baseline survey, and 83.3% and 72.2% were retained at weeks 4 and 8, respectively. Results: Participants reduced cigarette consumption from baseline to week 4 and 8 (p’s