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How and Why Do Smokers Start Using E-Cigarettes? Qualitative Study of Vapers in London, UK

Author

Listed:
  • Elle Wadsworth

    (National Addiction Centre, King’s College London, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB, UK)

  • Joanne Neale

    (National Addiction Centre, King’s College London, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB, UK)

  • Ann McNeill

    (National Addiction Centre, King’s College London, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB, UK
    UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK)

  • Sara C. Hitchman

    (National Addiction Centre, King’s College London, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8BB, UK
    UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK)

Abstract

The aims of the study were to (1) describe how and why smokers start to vape and what products they use; (2) relate findings to the COM-B theory of behaviour change (three conditions are necessary for behaviour change (B): capability (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M)); and (3) to consider implications for e-cigarette policy research. Semi-structured interviews ( n = 30) were conducted in London, UK, with smokers or ex-smokers who were currently using or had used e-cigarettes. E-cigarette initiation (behaviour) was facilitated by: capability (physical capability to use an e-cigarette and psychological capability to understand that using e-cigarettes was less harmful than smoking); opportunity (physical opportunity to access e-cigarettes in shops, at a lower cost than cigarettes, and to vape in “smoke-free” environments, as well as social opportunity to vape with friends and family); and motivation (automatic motivation including curiosity, and reflective motivation, including self-conscious decision-making processes related to perceived health benefits). The application of the COM-B model identified multiple factors that may lead to e-cigarette initiation, including those that could be influenced by policy, such as price relative to cigarettes and use in smoke-free environments. The effects of these policies on initiation should be further investigated along with the possible moderating/mediating effects of social support.

Suggested Citation

  • Elle Wadsworth & Joanne Neale & Ann McNeill & Sara C. Hitchman, 2016. "How and Why Do Smokers Start Using E-Cigarettes? Qualitative Study of Vapers in London, UK," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:7:p:661-:d:73122
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Konstantinos E. Farsalinos & Giorgio Romagna & Dimitris Tsiapras & Stamatis Kyrzopoulos & Vassilis Voudris, 2014. "Characteristics, Perceived Side Effects and Benefits of Electronic Cigarette Use: A Worldwide Survey of More than 19,000 Consumers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Choi, K. & Fabian, L. & Mottey, N. & Corbett, A. & Forster, J., 2012. "Young adults' favorable perceptions of snus, dissolvable tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes: Findings from a focus group study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(11), pages 2088-2093.
    3. Jessica K. Pepper & Kurt M. Ribisl & Sherry L. Emery & Noel T. Brewer, 2014. "Reasons for Starting and Stopping Electronic Cigarette Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-17, October.
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