Jamie Slade, Utah Valley University
Health
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are gaining in popularity. Unfortunately, this increase is occurring at a time when we lack a definitive understanding of the health hazards. It is important for professionals to understand e-cigarette users’ experiences and satisfaction with the devices in order to determine what may entice users to begin and continue using these devices.
Methods:
E-cigarette users were recruited from the e-cigarette forum website and completed an online survey inquiring about their perceptions, experiences, and satisfaction with e-cigarettes.
Results:
Approximately 99% of participants reported satisfaction with e-cigarettes, with 81% reporting very high satisfaction levels. Nearly 99% enjoy the taste of e-cigarettes, including 88% who use flavored nicotine e-liquid. Only 19% felt a burning sensation in the throat, and 55% experienced dry mouth. 57% percent struggled with liquid leaking from their e-cigarette and 47% had an e-cigarette break down.
Conclusions:
The overall satisfaction rate of e-cigarette users is high, despite some of the negative side effects of use such as dry mouth, burning throat, or the devices breaking down. Awareness of the experience and perception of e-cigarette users will help educators, researchers, and federal regulators better understand (1) why e-cigarette users continue to use the devices, (2) what may entice current smokers (and some non-smokers) to begin using e-cigarettes, and (3) the importance of the need for valid information regarding the effects of e-cigarettes.