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Sherratt, FC, Newson, LM, Marcus, MW, Field, JK and Robinson, J (2016) Perceptions towards electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation among Stop Smoking Service users. British Journal of Health Psychology, 21 (2). pp. 421-433. ISSN 2044-8287
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are promoted as smoking cessation tools, yet they remain unavailable from Stop Smoking Services in England; the debate over their safety and efficacy is ongoing. This study was designed to explore perceptions and reasons for use or non-use of electronic cigarettes as smoking cessation tools, among individuals engaged in Stop Smoking Services. METHODS: Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with twenty participants engaged in Stop Smoking Services in the north-west of England. Participants comprised of both individuals who had tried e-cigarettes (n = 6) and those who had not (n = 14). Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were subject to thematic analysis, which explored participants' beliefs and experiences of e-cigarettes. RESULTS: A thematic analysis of transcripts suggested that the following three superordinate themes were prominent: (1) self-efficacy and beliefs in e-cigarettes; (2) e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid; and (3) cues for e-cigarette use. Participants, particularly never users, were especially concerned regarding e-cigarette efficacy and safety. Overall, participants largely expressed uncertainty regarding e-cigarette safety and efficacy, with some evidence of misunderstanding. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of uncertainty and misunderstanding regarding information on e-cigarettes highlights the importance of providing smokers with concise, up-to-date information regarding e-cigarettes, enabling smokers to make informed treatment decisions. Furthermore, identification of potential predictors of e-cigarette use can be used to inform Stop Smoking Services provision and future research. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Research suggests that e-cigarettes may help smokers quit smoking, but further studies are needed. Electronic cigarette use in Stop Smoking Services has increased substantially in recent years, although e-cigarettes are currently not regulated. There is debate within the academic community regarding e-cigarette efficacy and safety. What does this study add? Service users interviewed in the current study felt uncertain regarding e-cigarette efficacy and safety. E-cigarette ever users viewed e-cigarettes as effective and safe, more often than never users. Accurate and up-to-date education will enable service users to make informed treatment decisions.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Additional Information: | This is the accepted version of the following article: "Perceptions towards electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation among Stop Smoking Service users", which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12177 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 1701 Psychology, 1117 Public Health And Health Services, 1608 Sociology |
| Divisions: | Natural Sciences & Psychology (closed 31 Aug 19) |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| Related URLs: | |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Apr 2016 13:24 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2022 15:24 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.1111/bjhp.12177 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/3531 |
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