Reasons for using electronic cigarettes: a systematic review of qualitative studies
1
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
2
Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1300
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
to interpret patterns of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) use and develop effective public health policies to prevent their consumption, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind e-cigarette use. This study aims to describe the motivations behind e-cigarette use among adult population.
METHODS:
a systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo up to October 2024. Qualitative studies that analyzed the motivations for e-cigarette use in adults (≥18 years) were included. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis, and where possible, the main motivation was identified. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASPe tool.
RESULTS:
nineteen studies conducted in the United States, Europe, and Asia were included. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n=9), focus groups (n=7), combination of both methods (n=1), or open-ended questionnaires (n=1). Seven categories of motivations were identified: health benefits, product appeal, social influence, convenience, price, curiosity and leisure, and changes in tobacco use. Health benefits were one of the most frequently cited motivations. E-cigarette use was perceived as a less harmful alternative to conventional tobacco and was highlighted as a positive smoking cessation tool. Lower perceived harm of the aerosol to others was also highlighted. Product appeal included motivations such as the variety of flavors, absence of unpleasant odors and design features (aesthetics, lightness and ease of use). Social influence played a significant role, particularly in initiating and maintaining consumption, favored by acceptance from family and peers, advertising, and presence of the device on social media. Curiosity and leisure were particularly relevant motivations among young adults. The quality of the studies was low.
CONCLUSIONS:
the most frequent motivations were the perception of vaping as a less harmful alternative and its perceived usefulness as a smoking cessation tool. Product attractiveness is a key factor in initiating and maintaining consumption.
to interpret patterns of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) use and develop effective public health policies to prevent their consumption, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind e-cigarette use. This study aims to describe the motivations behind e-cigarette use among adult population.
METHODS:
a systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo up to October 2024. Qualitative studies that analyzed the motivations for e-cigarette use in adults (≥18 years) were included. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis, and where possible, the main motivation was identified. Methodological quality was assessed using the CASPe tool.
RESULTS:
nineteen studies conducted in the United States, Europe, and Asia were included. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n=9), focus groups (n=7), combination of both methods (n=1), or open-ended questionnaires (n=1). Seven categories of motivations were identified: health benefits, product appeal, social influence, convenience, price, curiosity and leisure, and changes in tobacco use. Health benefits were one of the most frequently cited motivations. E-cigarette use was perceived as a less harmful alternative to conventional tobacco and was highlighted as a positive smoking cessation tool. Lower perceived harm of the aerosol to others was also highlighted. Product appeal included motivations such as the variety of flavors, absence of unpleasant odors and design features (aesthetics, lightness and ease of use). Social influence played a significant role, particularly in initiating and maintaining consumption, favored by acceptance from family and peers, advertising, and presence of the device on social media. Curiosity and leisure were particularly relevant motivations among young adults. The quality of the studies was low.
CONCLUSIONS:
the most frequent motivations were the perception of vaping as a less harmful alternative and its perceived usefulness as a smoking cessation tool. Product attractiveness is a key factor in initiating and maintaining consumption.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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