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. 2016 Apr;2(2):133-145.
doi: 10.18001/TRS.2.2.4.

Smokers' Early E-cigarette Experiences, Reasons for Use, and Use Intentions

Olivia A Wackowski  1 , Michelle T Bover Manderski  1 , Cristine D Delnevo  1 , Daniel P Giovenco  1 , M Jane Lewis  1
Affiliations

Smokers' Early E-cigarette Experiences, Reasons for Use, and Use Intentions

Olivia A Wackowski et al. Tob Regul Sci. 2016 Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the context of smokers' first e-cigarette experiences, reasons for trying e-cigarettes, not continuing their use, and future use intentions.

Methods: We surveyed a nationally representative sample of 519 current cigarette smokers in the United States (classified as never, current, or former e-cigarette users/triers) in April 2014 about their e-cigarette experiences and use intentions.

Results: Among ever e-cigarette users/triers, 43% purchased an e-cigarette on their own as their first method of trial. These respondents were more likely to have used e-cigarettes more times than those who first tried e-cigarettes from a friend. Positive perceptions about first experiences were significantly higher among current (34.5%) compared to former e-cigarette users/triers (17.9%). Few (8.7%) current e-cigarette users/triers had a negative first experience. Susceptibility to future e-cigarette use was significantly associated with e-cigarette use status, intention to quit smoking and satisfaction with first e-cigarette experience. Among those interested in e-cigarettes, 26.3% were more interested in trying an e-cigarette made by a major tobacco company and 31.8% in trying an e-cigarette that looked "similar" versus different (13.8%) than a real cigarette.

Conclusions: The context and perceptions of e-cigarette trial experiences, product quality, style and manufacturer may influence e-cigarette trial and use.

Keywords: e-cigarettes; perceptions; susceptibility; use intentions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement

All authors of this article declare they have no conflicts of interest.

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