Perception of E-cigarette Use among Adult Users in China: A Mixed-method Study

Duan Zhao, Yantao Zuo, Dilshat S. Urmi, Yangyujin Liu, Pinpin Zheng, Wang Fan and Abu S. Abdullah
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Duan Zhao: Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215347, China
Yantao Zuo: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
Dilshat S. Urmi: Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215347, China
Yangyujin Liu: Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215347, China
Pinpin Zheng: Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 20032, China
Wang Fan: Department of Politics, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
Abu S. Abdullah: Global Health Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou 215347, China

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-12

Abstract: The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) is increasing rapidly in China, but the perception of these products and their health impact among Chinese users have received little research attention. This study collected semi-structured in-depth interview data from experienced adult EC (including heated tobacco products also named ECs on the Chinese market) users in the Shanghai area. The subjects were recruited from those who participated in a previous online survey on EC use. A thematic narrative approach was used to analyze the data. Thirty current EC users were interviewed for evaluation of their perception of EC use in a variety of categories, including reasons for using, concerns, social acceptance, satisfaction, and health impacts. Participants’ common reasons for using ECs were the ease of use and carrying, hygiene, no fire hazard, reduced smoke exposure, aiding quitting smoking, reduced health hazard, palatable flavor, being fashionable, and substituting cigarettes in non-smoking areas. Most (90%; 27/30) participants reduced (77%) or quit smoking (13%) after using ECs, and 80% were willing to recommend these products to others. Most (90%) of the participants reportedly noticed positive health changes after using ECs. Regulatory concerns were expressed by 33% participants. Participants predominately viewed ECs as a viable substitute for smoking, with substantial effects on tobacco harm reduction. These findings lend support to EC use as a promising opportunity for public health promotion in China through engaging smokers in smoking cessation attempts. However, overall public health benefits/risks of EC use, and its regulatory affairs need to be considered.

Keywords: electronic cigarette; IQOS; smoking; perception; tobacco harm reduction; Chinese (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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