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General and Device-Specific Reasons for ENDS Use: A Qualitative Study with Adult ENDS Users

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  • Mohammed M. Alqahtani

    (School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
    Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia
    King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia)

  • Zachary B. Massey

    (School of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA)

  • Robert T. Fairman

    (School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

  • Victoria Churchill

    (School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

  • David L. Ashley

    (School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

  • Lucy Popova

    (School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

Abstract

Background: A scientific consensus on the public health impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) remains elusive. This is partly due to the wide variation in product characteristics often lumped together under one category. Research is needed to better understand what ENDS device type characteristics motivate their use by adults. Methods: Nine focus groups of 32 current ENDS users who were 18+ years old, had used ENDS in the previous 30 days, and had been using ENDS for more than two months were held either in person or online between February and June 2020. Results: Participants’ reasons for their choice of ENDS characteristics included both general, applying to all ENDS products, and specific, relating to particular ENDS devices. Health benefits and the lack of offensive odor were commonly identified as important reasons for using ENDS in general. Flavor and product discreteness were both general and device-specific determinants of ENDS use. Conversely, nicotine delivery, cloud size, battery properties, aesthetics, ease of use, and cost were device-specific drivers of participants’ choice. Conclusions: The reasons that adults choose to use ENDS are complex and sometimes related to both ENDS as a category and as specific ENDS product types. Regulations and public communication campaigns should reflect their ultimate objective and consider both general and specific motivations when attempting to achieve public health objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammed M. Alqahtani & Zachary B. Massey & Robert T. Fairman & Victoria Churchill & David L. Ashley & Lucy Popova, 2022. "General and Device-Specific Reasons for ENDS Use: A Qualitative Study with Adult ENDS Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6822-:d:830895
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    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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    4. Zachary B. Massey & Robert T. Fairman & Victoria Churchill & David L. Ashley & Lucy Popova, 2021. "“It’s Cool, Modifying and All, but I Don’t Want Anything Blowing Up on Me:” A Focus Group Study of Motivations to Modify Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-10, November.
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