Exploring the experiences of electronic cigarette users and their previous attempts to quit smoking

The aim of this research was to explore the experiences of EC users; their reasons for using an EC and how their most recent attempt to quit compared to any previous attempts they had made that were unsuccessful. These previous attempts included going alone with no support, or using NHS recommended interventions such as NRT, POM or accessing an NHS SSS. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a total 7 participants; 3 women and 4 men. Interviews were analysed using content analysis and three main themes were identified; Quit Triggers, Safely Satisfied and Modern Quitting. The results of this research illustrated that motivations for quitting remain unique to each individual, ECs provide a de-medicalised approach to quitting and worked because they provided a satisfying replacement to cigarettes that no other products or support were able to offer. As well as this the long-term quitting goal of participants was remaining abstinent from smoking cigarettes and not to stop using nicotine altogether