Blair N Coleman1, Sarah E Johnson2, Greta K Tessman2, Cindy Tworek2, Jennifer Alexander3, Denise M Dickinson3, Jessica Rath4, Kerry M Green5. 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA. Electronic address: Blair.Coleman@fda.hhs.gov. 2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA. 3. RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. 4. Truth Initiative, Evaluation Science and Research, 900 G Street NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20001, USA. 5. Department of Behavioral & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 2242 Valley Drive, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is rapidly increasing among adults in the U.S. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore consumer perceptions about e-cigarettes, including knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceived social norms. METHODS: A total of 14 focus groups (N=116) were conducted with current adult e-cigarette users in five U.S. cities from March through May, 2014. Focus groups were segmented by age (young adults aged 18-29 and older adults aged 30 and older) as well as by e-cigarette use status (exclusive e-cigarette users and non-exclusive e-cigarette users). Focus group discussions lasted approximately 60-min and were audio-recorded and transcribed; data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Participants expressed many positive attitudes towards e-cigarettes and simultaneously reported a lack of information and knowledge about the products. Focus group participants overwhelmingly felt as though the ingredients of e-cigarettes were likely less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Additionally, many described positive reactions from family and friends, especially when e-cigarettes were used in place of conventional cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this qualitative study provide insight into consumer knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about e-cigarettes increasing our understanding of why and how they are being used. Such information will help provide insight into the potential public health impact of these emerging products. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is rapidly increasing among adults in the U.S. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore consumer perceptions about e-cigarettes, including knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and perceived social norms. METHODS: A total of 14 focus groups (N=116) were conducted with current adult e-cigarette users in five U.S. cities from March through May, 2014. Focus groups were segmented by age (young adults aged 18-29 and older adults aged 30 and older) as well as by e-cigarette use status (exclusive e-cigarette users and non-exclusive e-cigarette users). Focus group discussions lasted approximately 60-min and were audio-recorded and transcribed; data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. RESULTS:Participants expressed many positive attitudes towards e-cigarettes and simultaneously reported a lack of information and knowledge about the products. Focus group participants overwhelmingly felt as though the ingredients of e-cigarettes were likely less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Additionally, many described positive reactions from family and friends, especially when e-cigarettes were used in place of conventional cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this qualitative study provide insight into consumer knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about e-cigarettes increasing our understanding of why and how they are being used. Such information will help provide insight into the potential public health impact of these emerging products. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Entities:
Keywords:
Electronic cigarettes; Qualitative research; Tobacco use
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