%0 Journal Article
%T Attitudes toward E-Cigarettes, Reasons for Initiating E-Cigarette Use, and Changes in Smoking Behavior after Initiation: A Pilot Longitudinal Study of Regular Cigarette Smokers
%A Carla J. Berg
%A Dana Boyd Barr
%A Erin Stratton
%A Cam Escoffery
%A Michelle Kegler
%J Open Journal of Preventive Medicine
%P 789-800
%@ 2162-2485
%D 2014
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojpm.2014.410089
%X Objectives: We examined 1) changes in smoking and vaping behavior and associated cotinine levels and health status among regular smokers who were first-time e-cigarette purchasers and 2) attitudes, intentions, and restrictions regarding e-cigarettes. Methods: We conducted a pilot longitudinal study with assessments of the aforementioned factors and salivary cotinine at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Eligibility criteria included being ¡Ý18 years old, smoking ¡Ý25 of the last 30 days, smoking ¡Ý5 cigarettes per day (cpd), smoking regularly ¡Ý1 year, and not having started using e-cigarettes. Of 72 individuals screened, 40 consented, 36 completed the baseline survey, and 83.3% and 72.2% were retained at weeks 4 and 8, respectively. Results: Participants reduced cigarette consumption from baseline to week 4 and 8 (p¡¯s < 0.001); 23.1% reported no cigarette use in the past month at week 8. There was no significant decrease in cotinine from baseline to week 4 or 8 (p¡¯s = ns). At week 8, the majority reported improved health (65.4%), reduced smoker¡¯s cough (57.7%), and improved sense of smell (53.8%) and taste (50.0%). The majority believed that e-cigarettes versus regular cigarettes have fewer health risks (97.2%) and that e-cigarettes have been shown to help smokers quit (80.6%) and reduce cigarette consumption (97.2%). In addition, the majority intended to use e-cigarettes as a complete replacement for regular cigarettes (69.4%) and reported no restriction on e-cigarette use in the home (63.9%) or car (80.6%). Conclusions: Future research is needed to document the long-term impact on smoking behavior and health among cigarette smokers who initiate use of e-cigarettes.
%K E-Cigarettes
%K Cessation
%K Harm Reduction
%K Longitudinal Study
%K Nicotine Biomarkers
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=50827