Abstract

Aims: To characterize e-cigarette use, users and effects in a sample of Electronic Cigarette Company (TECC) and
TotallyWicked E-Liquid (TWEL) users. Design and setting: Online survey hosted at the University of East London with
links from TECC/TWEL websites from September 2011 to May 2012. Measurements: Online questionnaire.
Participants: One thousand three hundred and forty-seven respondents from 33 countries (72% European), mean age
43 years, 70% male, 96% Causacian, 44% educated to degree level or above. Findings: Seventy-four percent of
participants reported not smoking for at least a few weeks since using the e-cigarette and 70% reported reduced urge
to smoke. Seventy-two percent of participants used a ‘tank’ system, most commonly, the eGo-C (23%). Mean duration
of use was 10 months. Only 1% reported exclusive use of non-nicotine (0 mg) containing liquid. E-cigarettes were
generally considered to be satisfying to use; elicit fewside effects; be healthier than smoking; improve cough/breathing;
and be associated with low levels of craving. Among ex-smokers, ‘time to first vape’ was significantly longer than ‘time
to first cigarette’ (t1104 = 11.16, P < 0.001) suggesting a lower level of dependence to e-cigarettes. Ex-smokers reported
significantly greater reduction in craving than current smokers (c21 = 133.66, P < 0.0007) although few other differences
emerged between these groups. Compared with males, females opted more for chocolate/sweet flavours (c2
1 = 16.16, P < 0.001) and liked the e-cigarette because it resembles a cigarette (c2 3 = 42.65, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: E-cigarettes are used primarily for smoking cessation, but for a longer duration than nicotine
replacement therapy, and users believe them to be safer than smoking.