Counseling patients on the use of electronic cigarettes

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Cardiovascular/Cardiometabolic Health

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, specifically electronic cigarettes (e-cig), has risen dramatically within the last few years; the demographic purchasing these devices is now predominantly adolescents that are not trying to quit the use of traditional combustible cigarettes, but rather are new users. The composition and appearance of these devices has changed since their first entry into the market in the late 2000s, but they remain composed of a battery and aerosol delivery system that is used to deliver breakdown products of propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and potentially nicotine or other additives. Manufacturers have also adjusted the type of nicotine that is used within the liquid to make the inhalation more palatable for younger users, further affecting the number of youth who use these devices. Although the full spectrum of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic consequences of e-cig use is not fully appreciated, data is beginning to show that e-cigs can cause both short- and long-term issues on cardiac function, vascular integrity and cardiometabolic issues. This review will provide an overview of the cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, and vascular implications of the use of e-cigs, and the potential short- and long-term health effects. A robust understanding of these effects is important in order to inform policy makers on the dangers of e-cigs use.

Nicotine-Free E-Cigarettes Might Promote Tobacco Smoking Reduction Better Than Nicotine Delivery Devices: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial at 1 Year

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the use of e-cigarettes to aid in quitting contributed to the increase in the pulmonary health of chronic smokers. The efficacy of e-cigarettes to support a successful smoking cessation attempt was also investigated. A total of 210 smokers (78 women) were enrolled in a screening program for the early detection of lung cancer and distributed in three arms: nicotine e-cigarette plus support, nicotine-free e-cigarette plus support, and support. Results showed that participants in the nicotine e-cigarette arm had a significant and fast decrease in daily cigarettes, but that later they resume smoking more than the other two groups. Conversely, participants in the other two arms showed similar daily consumption at the two evaluation points. Among abstinent participants, only 12.5% reported cough, while 48% of current smokers had pulmonary symptoms. Our study suggests that, in the long run, the use of a nicotine-free liquid may favor reducing smoking and could be considered a good option in a clinical setting.

Anesthesiologists and the Other Pandemic: Tobacco Use

Tobacco use will kill a projected 1 billion people in the 21st century in one of the deadliest pandemics in history. Tobacco use disorder is a disease with a natural history, pathophysiology, and effective treatment options. Anesthesiologists can play a unique role in fighting this pandemic, providing both immediate (reduction in perioperative risk) and long-term (reduction in tobacco-related diseases) benefits to their patients who are its victims. Receiving surgery is one of the most powerful stimuli to quit tobacco. Tobacco treatments that combine counseling and pharmacotherapy (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy) can further increase quit rates and reduce risk of morbidity such as pulmonary and wound-related complications. The perioperative setting provides a great opportunity to implement multimodal perianesthesia tobacco treatment, which combines multiple evidence-based tactics to implement the four core components of consistent ascertainment and documentation of tobacco use, advice to quit, access to pharmacotherapy, and referral to counseling resources.

Urgent Need for Novel Investigations of Treatments to Quit E-cigarettes: Findings from a Systematic Review

E-cigarette use has been increasing globally over the past decade. Many use e-cigarettes as an alternative or method to quit cigarette smoking, whereas others use these products recreationally. As technology has advanced, many individuals have reported symptoms of dependence on these products and continue to use them beyond achieving abstinence from smoking. Despite individuals reporting interest in quitting, little is known about e-cigarette cessation. This systematic review sought to identify and evaluate all human subjects literature published on the outcome of e-cigarette cessation through September 2021. Of the 79 articles identified, 56 were cross-sectional, 6 were qualitative, 5 were cohort studies, 3 were experimental, 2 were mixed methods, and 7 reported intervention or case studies of e-cigarette cessation. Results showed youth generally had high intent to quit e-cigarettes, whereas results were mixed with adult samples. Youth were motivated to quit e-cigarettes by health concerns, whereas adults were motivated to quit e-cigarettes by cost, lack of satisfaction, and psychologic factors. Adults were more likely to report past e-cigarette quit attempts, most commonly "cold turkey." Few interventions tested strategies for e-cigarette cessation, with a majority targeted for youth. Given the lack of information on e-cigarette cessation, recommendations for future studies are outlined.

Collaborative Learning: A Qualitative Study Exploring Factors Contributing to a Successful Tobacco Cessation Train-the-Trainer Program as a Community of Practice

Individuals with behavioral health conditions account for 50% of annual smoking-related deaths, yet rarely receive tobacco dependence treatment within local mental health authorities (LMHAs). As lack of training and knowledge are key barriers to providing tobacco dependence treatment, Taking Texas Tobacco-Free (TTTF) developed an iterative, 4-6-months train-the-trainer program to embed expertise and delivery of sustained education on tobacco-free workplace policies and practices in participating centers. We explore the employee "champions'" train-the-trainer program experiences using a community of practice (CoP) model to identify key contributors to successful program implementation. Across 3 different LMHAs, we conducted semi-structured individual and group interviews online at 2 time points. We interviewed each champion twice (except for 1 champion who dropped out between measurements); pre-implementation (3 group interviews; N = 4 + 4 + 3 = 11 champions); post-implementation (7 individual interviews and 1 group interview; 7 + 3 = 10 champions). Therefore, 11 champions participated in pre- and post-implementation interviews from July 2020-May 2021. Guided by an iterative, thematic analysis and constant comparison process, we inductively coded and summarized data into themes. Five factors contributed to successful program implementation: value of peer support/feedback; building knowledge, champion confidence, and program ownership; informative curriculum, adaptable to targeted populations; staying abreast of current tobacco/nicotine research and products; and TTTF team responsiveness and practical coaching/assistance. Champions reported the TTTF train-the-trainer program was successful and identified attitudes and CoP processes that effectively built organizational capacity and expertise to sustainably address tobacco dependence. Study findings can guide other agencies in implementing sustainable tobacco-free training programs.

Adolescent Vaping-Associated Trauma in the Western United States

INTRODUCTION

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are handheld, battery-powered vaporizing devices. It is estimated that more than 25% of youth have used these devices recreationally. While vaping-associated lung injury is an increasingly recognized risk, little is known about the risk of traumatic injuries associated with e-cigarette malfunction.

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective study was performed by querying the electronic health records at nine children's hospitals. Patients who sustained traumatic injuries while vaping from January 2016 through December 2019 were identified. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and the details of trauma management were reviewed.

RESULTS

15 children sustained traumatic injuries due to e-cigarette explosion. The median age was 17 y (range 13-18). The median injury severity score was 2 (range 1-5). Three patients reported that their injury coincided with their first vaping experience. Ten patients required hospital admission, three of whom required intensive care unit admission. Admitted patients had a median length of stay of 3 d (range 1-6). The injuries sustained were: facial burns (6), loss of multiple teeth (5), thigh and groin burns (5), hand burns (4), ocular burns (4), a radial nerve injury, a facial laceration, and a mandible fracture. Six children required operative intervention, one of whom required multiple operations for a severe hand injury.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to vaping-associated lung injury, vaping-associated traumatic injuries are an emerging and worrisome injury pattern sustained by adolescents in the United States. This report highlights another means by which e-cigarettes pose an increasing risk to a vulnerable youth population.

Electronic Cigarettes Prevalence and Awareness Among Jordanian Individuals

The general awareness regarding E-smoking is varying from country to other depending on multivariable factors. We try to investigate the prevalence of E-Cigarette Awareness, Perceived Harmfulness, Prevalence, and Associations with Smoking-Cessation Outcomes among different age groups and different sex in Jordanian individuals. The study element shaped by data gathered from various questionnaire surveys. The questionnaire was of our own design the method of data collection was through online surveys Different applications were used to distributing the questionnaire including; Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, other social applications. The study included 1536 participants. The prevalence of E-smoking is 18% among Jordanian individuals where it is 24.9% in males and 3.5% in females. 47.3% of participants believe that E-smoking has less harmful effects than traditional cigarette smoking while 46.7% believe that E-smoking has the same risk of cigarette smoking. 56% of participants believe the E-smoking can lead to addiction. E-smoking is considered an emerging modality of smoking with limited data regarding its long term impact regarding its addictive behavior and toxic effect. Awareness program regarding E-smoking is mandatory especially for the nontraditional smoker and young people.

Perceptions of Smoking and Vaping on Weight Control Among Adult American Indians Who Smoke

Interest in electronic cigarette (EC) use, or vaping, to help control weight is increasing. Many American Indian (AI) populations have a high prevalence of smoking, obesity, and EC use, but their perceptions of EC use for weight control are unknown. In Oklahoma in 2016, 375 AI adults who smoke completed a survey including perceptions about smoking and EC effects on weight control. Only 24% believed that smoking helps control weight, and 8% believed that vaping helps control weight. Perceptions differed by EC use, with ever users more often than never users perceiving that smoking (30% vs 12%, respectively; p < .01) and vaping (10% vs 5%; p = .04) help to control weight. Sex, age group (18-44 years vs 45 + years), education (high school graduate/equivalent vs less than high school), smoking cessation attempt in past year, and likelihood to quit in 6 months were not associated with weight control perceptions for either smoking or vaping. Uncertainty regarding EC effects on weight control was less common among EC ever users compared to never users (41% vs 53%, respectively; p = .04). Most people who did not believe or were uncertain that smoking controls weight also did not believe or were uncertain that vaping controls weight. However, only a minority (29%) of people who believed smoking controls weight also believed that vaping controls weight. Among adult AI who smoke, both smoking and vaping were infrequently perceived as helping to control weight, but such perceptions were reported more frequently among those who ever used ECs.

A narrative review evaluating the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a newly marketed smoking cessation tool

Introduction:

E-cigarettes are an alternative to traditional tobacco-based cigarettes. While having considerable societal awareness, conflicting evidence exists to support their claims that they are an effective smoking cessation tool and are safe. Currently >7000 flavours exist with evidence that they exhibit detrimental cellular and tissue effects. A literature review was conducted utilising PubMed and Google Scholar Databases identifying papers between 2014 and 2019. The aims of this study were to accurately gauge the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.

Methods:

Search terms including ‘electronic cigarettes’ and ‘vaping’ were used to identify suitable references. A total of 314 articles were identified from which papers were excluded due to risk of bias, insufficient detail or were duplicate from which 58 papers were used in the final review.

Results:

Evidence shows that e-cigarettes can have detrimental effects on several cell lines and animal models with their flavourings and nicotine content implicated; this has, however, not translated into major health outcomes after 3.5 years follow-up but has been linked to chronic lung disease and cardiovascular disease. While advertised as an effective smoking cessation tool, no consensus can be made regarding their effectiveness although the first robust randomised controlled trial reports some success. This, however, is offset by the fact that the most common e-cigarette use is as a dual user and that there is evidence of threefold increased risk of future tobacco smoking.

Conclusion:

Future research is needed to evaluate the long-term health outcomes and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool with greater discussion between patients and clinicians regarding this smoking cessation tool.

e-Cigarettes for smoking cessation: Do they deliver?

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are battery-powered devices that allow nicotine and/or other substances to be inhaled in aerosolized form. e-Cigarettes (electronic cigarettes), the most commonly used ENDS, have been proposed to be smoking cessation aids. However, despite the rapid surge in their popularity, little is known about long-term health consequences of e-cigarette usage. We assess published data to see if they deliver what they promise.

COMMENT

e-Cigarettes may contain uncertain quantities of various ingredients, and evidence of adulteration has been identified. Flavouring agents can alter the pharmacokinetics of nicotine and have uncertain impact on the nature of e-cigarette use (eg ab initio use vs smoking cessation).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Although e-cigarettes have been proposed to be a safe approach to encouraging smoking cessation, there are inconsistencies in available data. And further data are needed regarding long-term implications of primary and secondary exposure to e-cigarette products.

Differences in quality of life among college student electronic cigarette users

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore an association between e-cigarette use and Quality of Life (QOL) among college students.

METHODS

During February 2016, 1,132 students completed an online survey that included measures of tobacco use and the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Differences were tested using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and ANOVA, and regression was used to assess possible relationships.

RESULTS

E-cigarettes were used by 6.97% of the participants, either solo or along with traditional cigarettes. Bivariate analyses suggest that male college students are more likely than females to use e-cigarettes, either solo or in combination with traditional cigarettes (χ2 =19.4, P < .01). Lesbian, gay, and bisexual students are more likely than heterosexual students to use traditional cigarettes, either solo or in combination with e-cigarettes (χ2 = 32.9, P < .01). Multivariate models suggest that for every 10-unit increase in overall QOL, psychological well-being, social relations or environmental health the adjusted odds of being a sole cigarette user were significantly lower (all, P < .01), respectively. For every 10-unit increase in psychological well-being the adjusted odds of being a dual user was significantly lower (OR = .83, P = .026).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that lower quality of life appears to be connected to tobacco use.

Source Credibility and E-Cigarette Attitudes: Implications for Tobacco Communication

As there are many conflicting sources of e-cigarette information, research is needed to determine the impact of these sources on e-cigarette attitudes to inform future communication campaigns. Source credibility is important in shaping attitudes toward other health topics; however, no study has examined its role in influencing e-cigarette attitudes. Data from the 2015 Health Information National Trends Survey-FDA (HINTS-FDA) were utilized to assess differences in trust in different sources by e-cigarette user status and to investigate the associations between trust in sources and e-cigarette attitudes (n = 3,738). Differences in trust in sources were examined using weighted linear regression. Associations between trust in sources of e-cigarette health effects and attitudes toward e-cigarettes were assessed using weighted logistic regression. Overall, e-cigarette ever users reported significantly lower trust in governmental agencies as compared to never users. Trust in e-cigarette companies was negatively associated with perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58, 1.00), while trust in doctors/pharmacists/healthcare providers was negatively associated with harm perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to conventional cigarettes (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.95). Trust in tobacco companies and trust in e-cigarette companies were negatively associated with absolute perceived harm of e-cigarettes (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.51, 0.95; AOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.79, respectively). Results from this study indicate that the associations between trust in sources of e-cigarette health effects and e-cigarette attitudes differ both by source and specific attitude assessed. Ultimately, future campaigns should incorporate messaging to discredit industry sources of information and utilize non-governmental sources to effectively influence e-cigarette attitudes.

FDA's regulatory shift on tobacco control

In July 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it wants to reduce the nicotine in cigarettes to make them less addictive. Also, it is delaying for several years a key regulation affecting cigars and e-cigarettes, including flavored vaping products that tend to appeal to younger consumers. Specifically, it postponed the requirement that such products be approved by the agency. Both actions are part of a comprehensive plan to eventually wean smokers off conventional cigarettes and steer them toward less harmful alternative forms of nicotine. With its new approach to the fight against smoking, the FDA has unquestionably made great strides toward more effectively addressing the prevalence of related deaths and diseases in the U.S. However, much important work must be undertaken before this ultimate goal can be accomplished. For instance, further research into long-term effects of e-cigarettes must be conducted before these products can truly be seen as safer alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Additionally, public education is necessary to inform smokers about the range of tobacco products available and the actual harms associated with their use. Finally, the agency might have to work alongside the powerful tobacco industry to minimize potential legal challenges and to convince businesses that a shift to low-nicotine products and e-cigarettes is best for their future success and for the health of the American citizenry.

E-cigarette Use and Smoking Cessation Among South Korean Adult Smokers: A Propensity Score-Matching Approach

Research on the efficacy of e-cigarette use as a smoking cessation tool has yielded inconclusive results. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation among South Korean adult smokers. This study used data from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015) of 2965 adult smokers aged 19 years and older. As statistical analysis methods, data were analyzed using the χ² test and multiple logistic regression. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to control selection bias, and sociodemographic and smoking-linked factors were used as covariates in PSM. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, adult smokers who had not used e-cigarettes were more likely to attempt to quit smoking than those who had used e-cigarettes in the prematching (OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.18-2.12) and postmatching (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.08-2.44) samples. Thus, this study suggests that e-cigarette use among South Korean adult smokers was not related to smoking cessation.

E-Cigarettes and Smoking Cessation: A Primer for Oncology Clinicians

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarettes 
(e-cigarettes) are a psychosocial phenomenon of the 21st century with serious implications to public and individual health. The significant increase of their popularity and use has raised concerns in the healthcare community regarding their potential benefits and harm, particularly their use as a smoking cessation methodology.

OBJECTIVES

Current knowledge is presented about e-cigarettes, including the clinical implications of their use, and associated controversies are analyzed. In addition, practice recommendations and communication guidance are provided.

METHODS

An integrative review was performed.

FINDINGS

The long-term effect of e-cigarettes on individual and public health is unknown. Evidence from short-term studies, although limited, shows that e-cigarette use is less harmful than smoking. However, the evidence does not support the use of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation methodology. Such recommendation remains a judgment call for the clinician based on each individual case.

Electronic cigarette use in restaurants and workplaces where combustible tobacco smoking is not allowed: an Internet survey in Japan

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to examine the experience of actual electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in smoke-free areas of restaurants and workplaces and to explore the determinants associated with such use among Japanese adults who reported any experience using e-cigarettes (e-cigarette ever-users).

METHODS

An Internet-based self-reported questionnaire survey was conducted in 2015 on Japanese e-cigarette ever-users. The proportion of the respondents who had ever used or frequently used e-cigarettes in smoke-free restaurants and/or workplaces was calculated. Potential factors associated with e-cigarette use in those smoke-free areas were also examined by using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 1243 e-cigarette ever-users (662 current and 581 former e-cigarette users) were analysed. The majority of them (1020/1243, 82.1%) were male and their mean age ± SD was 47.0±10.4 years. The proportion of those who had ever used e-cigarettes in smoke-free restaurants was 28.8% (358/1243) and that in smoke-free workplaces was 25.5% (317/1243), respectively. The proportion of those who had frequently used e-cigarettes in smoke-free restaurants was 18.5% (230/1243) and that in smoke-free workplaces was 16.3% (202/1243), respectively. In general, the proportion of e-cigarette use in those smoke-free areas was higher among those having a higher educational level than those having a lower educational level.

CONCLUSION

Among adult Japanese e-cigarette ever-users, approximately 26%-29% had ever used and 16%-19% had frequently used e-cigarettes in restaurants and/or workplaces where combustible tobacco smoking is not allowed. Policy-makers may need to establish explicit rules as to e-cigarette use in smoke-free environments.

Burns associated with e-cigarette batteries: A case series and literature review

Electronic cigarettes, often referred to as e-cigarettes, have established a considerable market in North America over the last decade. In parallel to this trend, there has been a surge of e-cigarette battery explosions reported in the general media. Given the growing number of such events, acute care physicians should recognize the associated risks and injury patterns and initiate appropriate treatment. This report presents two cases of burn injuries from e-cigarette battery explosions requiring surgical management. The accompanying comprehensive literature review highlights the emerging importance of e-cigarettes as an aetiology of burn injury.

Identifying Topics for E-Cigarette User-Generated Contents: A Case Study From Multiple Social Media Platforms

Background

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is an emerging product with a rapid-growth market in recent years. Social media has become an important platform for information seeking and sharing. We aim to mine hidden topics from e-cigarette datasets collected from different social media platforms.

Objective

This paper aims to gain a systematic understanding of the characteristics of various types of social media, which will provide deep insights into how consumers and policy makers effectively use social media to track e-cigarette-related content and adjust their decisions and policies.

Methods

We collected data from Reddit (27,638 e-cigarette flavor-related posts from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2015), JuiceDB (14,433 e-juice reviews from June 26, 2013 to November 12, 2015), and Twitter (13,356 “e-cig ban”-related tweets from January, 1, 2010 to June 30, 2015). Latent Dirichlet Allocation, a generative model for topic modeling, was used to analyze the topics from these data.

Results

We found four types of topics across the platforms: (1) promotions, (2) flavor discussions, (3) experience sharing, and (4) regulation debates. Promotions included sales from vendors to users, as well as trades among users. A total of 10.72% (2,962/27,638) of the posts from Reddit were related to trading. Promotion links were found between social media platforms. Most of the links (87.30%) in JuiceDB were related to Reddit posts. JuiceDB and Reddit identified consistent flavor categories. E-cigarette vaping methods and features such as steeping, throat hit, and vapor production were broadly discussed both on Reddit and on JuiceDB. Reddit provided space for policy discussions and majority of the posts (60.7%) holding a negative attitude toward regulations, whereas Twitter was used to launch campaigns using certain hashtags. Our findings are based on data across different platforms. The topic distribution between Reddit and JuiceDB was significantly different (P<.001), which indicated that the user discussions focused on different perspectives across the platforms.

Conclusions

This study examined Reddit, JuiceDB, and Twitter as social media data sources for e-cigarette research. These mined findings could be further used by other researchers and policy makers. By utilizing the automatic topic-modeling method, the proposed unified feedback model could be a useful tool for policy makers to comprehensively consider how to collect valuable feedback from social media.

Knowledge and beliefs about electronic cigarettes among quitline cessation staff

INTRODUCTION

Smokers are asking health practitioners for guidance about using e-cigarettes as an aid to quitting. Several studies have surveyed physicians. However, in North America many smokers seek help from telephone quitlines rather than physicians. The objective of the current study was to assess quitline counselors' perceptions of e-cigarettes and what they tell callers about these products.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey, conducted in 2014 with 418 quitline counselors in the U.S. and Canada, measured perceptions of e-cigarettes: (1) use as a quitting aid; (2) safety; (3) professional guidance given and organizational guidance received; (4) regulation. The response rate was 90.1%. Analyses included calculating standard errors and 95% confidence intervals around summary statistics.

RESULTS

Nearly 70% of counselors believed that e-cigarettes are not effective quitting aids. Most believed e-cigarettes are addictive (87%) and that secondhand exposure to vapor is harmful (71%). Counselors reported that callers ask for advice about e-cigarettes, but few counselors recommended e-cigarettes (4%). Counselors (97%) reported being instructed by quitline employers to explain to clients that e-cigarettes are not FDA-approved; 74% were told to recommend approved quitting aids instead. Most counselors (>87%) believed e-cigarettes should be regulated like cigarettes in terms of advertising, taxation, access by minors, and use in public places.

CONCLUSIONS

Quitline counselors view e-cigarettes as ineffective quitting aids, potentially dangerous, and in need of greater regulations. Counselors can influence how treatment seekers view e-cigarettes, therefore it is imperative that quitlines stay abreast of emerging data and communicate about these products in ways that best serve clients.

Beliefs, Practices, and Self-efficacy of US Physicians Regarding Smoking Cessation and Electronic Cigarettes: A National Survey

INTRODUCTION

We sought to assess physician knowledge/beliefs, self-efficacy, and experience/practice patterns surrounding smoking cessation and electronic cigarettes.

METHODS

An eight-page survey sent via US Postal service. The initial invitation included a $10 cash incentive and up to three invitations were sent. Fifteen hundred US physicians were identified with equal representation from primary care physicians (internal medicine and family practice), surgical care physicians (general surgeons and anesthesiologists), and pulmonologists.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourteen were not included in the analysis (183 non-deliverable, one deceased, 30 not practicing). 561/1286 (44%) remaining surveys were returned for analysis. Greater than 90% agreed that advising and assisting with smoking cessation is their responsibility; 86% advise and 65% assist their patients with smoking cessation more than 75% of the time. Approximately two-thirds of respondents report that their patients ask them about electronic cigarettes at least some of the time (≥25%); 58.4% report that they ask their patients about electronic cigarette use at least some of the time. Overall, 37.9% have at some point recommended electronic cigarettes to their patients that smoke, with 11.5% reporting recommending them at least 25% of the time. Surgical care providers appear less confident and less self-efficacious with smoking cessation, as well as with electronic cigarettes and appear less likely to endorse use of electronic cigarettes.

DISCUSSION

US physicians are frequently discussing electronic cigarettes in a clinical context and a substantial proportion of US physicians have recommended electronic cigarettes to their patients.

IMPLICATIONS

This study documents several important previously poorly characterized aspects of the role of electronic cigarettes in clinical care. The majority of US physicians are discussing electronic cigarettes in clinical contexts and a substantial proportion of US physicians have recommended electronic cigarettes to their patients. The extent of physician engagement on the topic of electronic cigarettes should be met with increased efforts to better characterize electronic cigarettes' appropriate role in smoking cessation and reduction.

Familiarity, perception, and reasons for electronic-cigarette experimentation among the general public in Malaysia: Preliminary insight

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to assess the general public views and familiarity toward electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) in Kuantan, Malaysia.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 277 Kuantan people were involved in this study. The questionnaire was distributed at random in shops, businesses, and public places in Kuantan. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 17.0).

RESULTS

From 400 participants, a total number of 277 (160, 57.7% men and 117, 42.4% women) respondents completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 26.89 ± 9.8 years old. The majority of the study participants were male (57.7%), Malay (83.8%), Muslims (83.8%), singles (69%), and employed (75.8%), with about 83 (29.9%) of the respondents were smokers. The prevalence of e-cigarettes smokers was found to be only 1.4% (n = 4). About one-third of the respondents (n = 72, 26%) have tried e-cigarette before. Job status was significantly associated with smoking e-cigarette among the population (P = 0.02). Main factors for a person to start e-cigarette smoking were curiosity (37.5%) and cheaper price (40.8%). Majority of respondents agreed that e-cigarette would not affect health as normal cigarette, and that variety of flavors contribute to better enjoyment (51.6% and 66.7%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study demonstrate that the prevalence of e-cigarettes smoking and its popularity, familiarity, and knowledge are still insufficient among Kuantan population. Further studies should be done to tackle this problem before it getting worse.

The perceived effects of electronic cigarettes on health by adult users: A state of the science systematic literature review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is a lack of research on perceived health effects of electronic cigarettes by adult users. Because more people are choosing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in addition to, or instead of traditional cigarettes, it is important for the nurse practitioner (NP) to understand why.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using four scholarly databases. The search strategy utilized remained consistent. Qualitative, quantitative, observational studies and meta-analyses were considered for review. Of the 52 articles preliminarily retrieved, 9 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of e-cigarette users perceive they are less harmful to health than traditional cigarettes. One reason for use is smoking cessation. Current guidelines recommend against promoting e-cigarette use. More research is needed on the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes as well as regulatory statements to guide future healthcare practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

As prevalence of e-cigarette use increases, it is important for NPs to understand the perceived effects on health by adults who use them and, specifically, how these perceptions motivate use. Armed with this information, the NP can communicate with patients about e-cigarettes, confidently recommend against their use, and begin discussions about reliable smoking cessation tools and resources that will help patients achieve their goals.

Counseling patients with asthma and allergy about electronic cigarettes: an evidence-based approach

OBJECTIVE

To provide an evidence-based review of common safety concerns and emerging potential benefits deriving from the regular use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) and thus improve counseling between physicians and their patients with asthma and allergy using or intending to use ECs.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed articles from the National Center for Biotechnology Information's PubMed about ECs, risk reduction, and harm reversal were appraised.

STUDY SELECTION

Keywords used in the search were smoking cessation, electronic cigarette, counseling, asthma, allergy, nicotine, tobacco harm reduction, and harm reversal.

RESULTS

Vapor toxicology is far less problematic compared with combustible cigarettes, with exclusive EC users having substantial lower risk of exposure to tobacco smoke toxicants and carcinogens compared with cigarette smokers. Moreover, there is emerging evidence that switching to regular EC use could produce significant respiratory health gains.

CONCLUSION

Inaccurate and inconsistent information about EC safety and efficacy, tobacco harm reduction, and nicotine toxicity is being offered to smokers and EC users. In particular, most health care professionals cannot communicate a clear and consistent message to their patients with respiratory problems and allergy who use or intend to use ECs. Therefore, it is important for the medical community to take an active role in considering all the pathways available to a smoking patient and recommend those that provide the greatest probability of eliminating exposure to tobacco smoke, including ECs.

Commentary: Forces That Drive the Vape Shop Industry and Implications for the Health Professions

At least three factors may be driving the evolution of the vape shop industry, a rapidly growing market sector that specializes in the sales of electronic cigarettes: (1) the tobacco industry, (2) the public health sector and its diverse stakeholders, and (3) consumer demand. These influences and the responses of the vape shop sector have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape. This commentary briefly discusses these three factors and the implications for the health professions, as they address the vape shop industry and its consequences for public health.