A thematic analysis of smokers' and non-smokers' accounts of E-cigarettes

Illness representations of vaping associated lung injury (VALI) and E-cigarette use: common sense model of self-regulation driven mixed-method approach

OBJECTIVE

The study explored differences in illness representations of VALI guided by the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM-SR) among non-patient adults.

DESIGN

We employed a cross-sectional concurrent mixed-methods design. In the quantitative analysis, we used multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Immersion/crystallization was used to analyze qualitative data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured differences in illness representations of VALI by e-cigarette use status, gender, and urban/rural residence.

RESULTS

E-cigarette use was associated with illness representations of VALI. Current e-cigarette users discounted the detrimental nature of VALI, compared to former and never e-cigarette users. Gender and urban/rural residence moderated the association between e-cigarette use and illness representation of VALI. In the qualitative analysis, 49.3% respondents reported components of the timeline (e.g. permanent), identity (e.g. shortness of breath), causes (e.g. THC products), consequences (e.g. life-threatening), cure/control (e.g. stop vaping), and worry (e.g. fearful).

CONCLUSION

Perceptions about VALI, such as cure and timeline, were associated with e-cigarettes use. Understanding the context in which adults perceive VALI, such as gender and rurality, may contribute to developing interventions that influence e-cigarette cessation. Future research employing CSM-SR to target strategies for promoting vaping abstinence is warranted.

An investigation of factors encouraging and deterring EC use: a thematic analysis of accounts from UK adults

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore E-cigarette (EC) accounts from a small sample of UK adults with varied smoking/EC experiences. This was to contribute to existing knowledge of adult perceptions and understand the factors that encourage or deter use to inform health messaging aimed at professionals, policy makers and the general public.

DESIGN

Twelve participants, five men and seven women aged 23-55 years (mean age 32.43) with mixed smoking/EC backgrounds took part in face-to-face interviews, analysed using semantic-level inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis identified three key themes. Social influence (1) relates to the understanding of the social representations of ECs. Representation and knowledge (2) captures the impact of varied EC related communication on perception. Aspects of addiction (3) conveys aspects of nicotine addiction and how this influences EC use.

CONCLUSION

ECs were generally perceived as more socially acceptable than cigarettes by non-smokers, although there were varying levels of acceptability depending on the type of EC device used. There was also unanimity concerning uncertainty surrounding the devices. Behavioural/sensory elements and personal enjoyment of ECs were consistent elements that encouraged or deterred use. Although non-smokers/vapers did not use the devices, they expressed similar apprehensions to those who did.