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A Deliberate Choice? Exploring the Decision to Switch from Cigarettes to E-Cigarettes

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  • Kim A.G.J. Romijnders

    (Centre for Health Protection (GZB), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3721 MA, the Netherlands
    Department of Health Promotion, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, POB 616 6200 MD, the Netherlands)

  • Liesbeth van Osch

    (Department of Health Promotion, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, POB 616 6200 MD, the Netherlands)

  • Hein de Vries

    (Department of Health Promotion, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, POB 616 6200 MD, the Netherlands)

  • Reinskje Talhout

    (Centre for Health Protection (GZB), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3721 MA, the Netherlands)

Abstract

E-cigarettes are increasingly popular among both cigarette smokers and non-users. Although smoking cessation yields the most individual and population health benefits, switching to exclusive e-cigarette use offers some individual health benefits for cigarette smokers. However, e-cigarette use is not harmless, and its use among non-cigarette smokers should be prevented. Our study aims to explore the decision-making process about e-cigarettes among an e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and non-users. We conducted 12 semi-structured focus group interviews with e-cigarette users, cigarette smokers, and non-users. We performed a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. First, knowledge reported by e-cigarette users was mainly based on other users’ experiences. Second, cigarette smokers and non-users were more negative towards e-cigarettes than e-cigarette users. Third, e-cigarette users considered switching from cigarette smoking to e-cigarette use by deliberating relevant information, and weighing up the benefits and disadvantages of e-cigarette use versus smoking. Additionally, important factors in the decision-making process were a perception of risks and benefits of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes, a supportive social environment about e-cigarette use, and trust in information offered about the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes. Our findings provide insight into what we can learn from the conscious decision-making process of e-cigarette users who switched from cigarettes to e-cigarettes. This information can be considered to develop targeted communications strategies to stimulate a conscious decision-making process, these may highlight benefits of switching to e-cigarettes for cigarette smokers, discussing the risks of smoking, and correcting misperceptions about the perceived risks and benefits of e-cigarette use.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim A.G.J. Romijnders & Liesbeth van Osch & Hein de Vries & Reinskje Talhout, 2019. "A Deliberate Choice? Exploring the Decision to Switch from Cigarettes to E-Cigarettes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-11, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:4:p:624-:d:207725
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ying Xu & Yanfang Guo & Kaiqian Liu & Zheng Liu & Xiaobo Wang, 2016. "E-Cigarette Awareness, Use, and Harm Perception among Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(11), pages 1-18, November.
    3. Kim A. G. J. Romijnders & Liesbeth Van Osch & Hein De Vries & Reinskje Talhout, 2018. "Perceptions and Reasons Regarding E-Cigarette Use among Users and Non-Users: A Narrative Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-19, June.
    4. Stefano Palminteri & Germain Lefebvre & Emma J Kilford & Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, 2017. "Confirmation bias in human reinforcement learning: Evidence from counterfactual feedback processing," PLOS Computational Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(8), pages 1-22, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kim AGJ Romijnders & Erna JZ Krüsemann & Sanne Boesveldt & Kees de Graaf & Hein de Vries & Reinskje Talhout, 2019. "E-Liquid Flavor Preferences and Individual Factors Related to Vaping: A Survey among Dutch Never-Users, Smokers, Dual Users, and Exclusive Vapers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-15, November.

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