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A Qualitative Exploration of the Role of Vape Shop Environments in Supporting Smoking Abstinence

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  • Emma Ward

    (Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK)

  • Sharon Cox

    (Centre for Addictive Behaviours Research, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK)

  • Lynne Dawkins

    (Centre for Addictive Behaviours Research, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK)

  • Sarah Jakes

    (New Nicotine Alliance, 8 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BY, UK)

  • Richard Holland

    (George Davies Centre, Leicester Medical School, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK)

  • Caitlin Notley

    (Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK)

Abstract

E-cigarettes are the most popular method of quitting smoking in England and most are purchased in specialist vape shops. This qualitative study explores how the vape shop environment is experienced by quitters to support smoking abstinence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to elicit experiences of e-cigarette use, including experiences of vape shops, in 40 people who had used e-cigarettes in a quit attempt. Observations of six shops in a range of locations were also undertaken. Interview and observation data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and triangulated. At an individual level, smoking abstinence was supported through shop assistants’ attempts to understand customers’ smoking preferences in order to: (i) tailor advice about the most appropriate product; and (ii) offer an ongoing point of contact for practical help. At an interpersonal level, shops offered opportunity to socialise and reinforce a vaping identity, although the environment was perceived as intimidating for some (e.g., new and female users). At a structural level, shops ensured easy access to products perceived to be good value by customers and had adapted to legislative changes. Vape shops can provide effective behavioural support to quitters to maintain smoking abstinence. Health professionals could capitalise on this through partnership working with shops, to ensure best outcomes for clients wanting to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Ward & Sharon Cox & Lynne Dawkins & Sarah Jakes & Richard Holland & Caitlin Notley, 2018. "A Qualitative Exploration of the Role of Vape Shop Environments in Supporting Smoking Abstinence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-14, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:2:p:297-:d:130991
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Riccardo Polosa & Pasquale Caponnetto & Fabio Cibella & Jacques Le-Houezec, 2015. "Quit and Smoking Reduction Rates in Vape Shop Consumers: A Prospective 12-Month Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-11, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sandra Joss & Anna Moser & Julian Jakob & Kali Tal & Jean-François Etter & Kevin Selby & Anna Schoeni & Philippe Poirson & Reto Auer, 2021. "Counseling in Vape Shops: A Survey of Vape Shop Managers in Switzerland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-11, October.
    2. Walton Sumner & Konstantinos Farsalinos, 2018. "Lessons and Guidance from the Special Issue on Electronic Cigarette Use and Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-9, June.
    3. Greta Hsu & Anthony C. Gamst & Yue-Lin Zhuang & Tanya Wolfson & Shu-Hong Zhu, 2019. "A Comparison of E-Cigarette Use Patterns and Smoking Cessation Behavior among Vapers by Primary Place of Purchase," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-13, February.
    4. Tessa Langley & Rebecca Bell-Williams & Julie Pattinson & John Britton & Manpreet Bains, 2019. "‘I Felt Welcomed in Like They’re a Little Family in There, I Felt Like I Was Joining a Team or Something’: Vape Shop Customers’ Experiences of E-Cigarette Use, Vape Shops and the Vaping Community," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-11, July.
    5. Karolien Adriaens & Dinska Van Gucht & Frank Baeyens, 2018. "About One in Five Novice Vapers Buying Their First E-Cigarette in a Vape Shop Are Smoking Abstinent after Six Months," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, August.

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