JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Adults who smoke cigarettes may reduce their exposure to cigarette smoke by switching completely or partially to an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the use patterns of a novel ENDS, over 8 weeks, among U.S. adults who smoke cigarettes daily. The objectives were to assess the proportion of participants who switched completely and any changes in cigarette consumption.

Methods:

This actual use study assessed the use of a novel ENDS with two variants (tobacco and menthol) among exclusive cigarette smokers (n = 353) and dual users of cigarettes/ENDS (n = 367). Use of ENDS and cigarettes was reported daily during a 1-week baseline and during an 8-week observational period, during which participants could also use the novel ENDS. Use of, complete switching to, and sensory experience of both novel ENDS variants and cigarette consumption use patterns were assessed at the end of the observational period and compared to baseline.

Results:

At the end of the observational period, over 85% of both study groups used the novel ENDS and 4% switched completely. Additionally, 25% of both study groups reduced their cigarette consumption by 50% or more. A higher proportion of participants used the menthol variant, which was also more positively evaluated in terms of taste, smell, and aftertaste than the tobacco variant.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that adults who smoke cigarettes daily can switch to the novel ENDS, using it exclusively or substantially reducing their cigarette consumption. These results complement the scientific evidence suggesting that ENDS are an acceptable alternative to cigarette smoking among adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.