The Role of E-cigarette Use in Smoking Cessation and E-cigarette Dependence

Abstract

Introduction. E-cigarettes have grown in popularity and use over the past decade. A major contributor to this rise is their implied suitability as a smoking cessation tool – but questions remain regarding the safety of e-cigarette use and the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation. Specifically, 1) are e-cigarettes associated with similar odds of successful attempts to quit smoking among individuals who smoke, when compared FDA-approved methods (i.e., nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medication) and 2) is e-cigarette use associated with e-cigarette dependence? Methods. Data from 288 cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users in the United States (U.S.) were collected via an online survey and were used to examine e-cigarette use behaviors, e-cigarette dependence, and smoking quit attempts. Results. Individuals trying to quit cigarettes had higher odds of successfully quitting if they used e-cigarettes to quit when compared to FDA-approved methods (OR = 7.82, 95% CI = 1.55 – 39.37). Also, e-cigarette use was associated with e-cigarette dependence, with higher quantity of use (i.e., average number of uses per day) being linked to higher e-cigarette dependence, (R2 = .309, adjusted R2 = .222, p < .001). Conclusion. E-cigarettes may be effective smoking cessation tools and have therapeutic value for individuals for whom traditional smoking cessation aids have been ineffective. The findings also suggest that e-cigarette use is associated with e-cigarette dependence, potentially placing e-cigarette users at risk of developing e-cigarette-related health problems due to difficulty discontinuing use. The study helps clarify e-cigarettes suitability as a smoking cessation aid and addresses potential health ramifications associated with e-cigarette use.