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

Kim A.G.J. Romijnders, Liesbeth van Osch, Hein de Vries and Reinskje Talhout
Additional contact information
Kim A.G.J. Romijnders: Centre for Health Protection (GZB), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3721 MA, 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

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 4, 1-11

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.

Keywords: informed decision making; focus groups; qualitative research; dual use; harm reduction; smoking prevention; targeted communication (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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