The comparative efficacy of first- versus second-generation electronic cigarettes in reducing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Currently, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are studied as though they are a homogeneous category. However, there are several noteworthy differences in the products that fall under this name, including potential differences in the efficacy of these products as smoking cessation aids. The current study examined the comparative efficacy of first- and second-generation e-cigarettes in reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms in a sample of current smokers with little or no experience of using e-cigarettes. DESIGN: Twenty-two mildly to moderately nicotine-dependent individuals were randomized to a cross-over design in which they used first- and second-generation e-cigarettes on separate days with assessment of withdrawal symptoms directly prior to and after product use. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A community-based sample recruited in the Midwest region of the United States reported a mean age of 28.6 [standard deviation (SD) = 12.9]. The majority were male (56.5%), Caucasian (91.3%), reported smoking an average of 15.2 (SD = 9.6) tobacco cigarettes per day, and a mean baseline carbon monoxide (CO) level of 18.7 parts per million (p.p.m.). MEASUREMENTS: Symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine were measured via the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale. FINDINGS: Analysis of changes in withdrawal symptoms revealed a significant time × product interaction F(1, 21) = 5.057, P = 0.036, n(2) P = 0.202. Participants experienced a larger reduction in symptoms of nicotine withdrawal after using second-generation compared with first-generation e-cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Second-generation e-cigarettes seem to be more effective in reducing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal than do first-generation e-cigarettes.

Dual tobacco use among college students: contexts of use, self-perceptions, and attitudes toward quitting.

Aggressive marketing of smokeless tobacco (SLT) appears to have led to an increase in dual tobacco use. The current study examines the situational contexts, self-perceptions, and cessation attitudes/behaviors that relate to dual use. Participants (N = 1,242) at a large, Southwestern university completed a self-report measure of demographic and tobacco use variables in 2010. Data were analyzed using chi-square and one-way ANOVA techniques. Findings suggest that type of tobacco use varies by setting and that dual users are more likely than sole users to perceive themselves as regular tobacco users. Limitations and implications for future research and interventions are discussed.

Changes in smokeless tobacco use over four years following a campus-wide anti-tobacco intervention.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effectiveness of an institutional intervention aimed at decreasing prevalence of tobacco use over a 4-year period. METHODS: Participants were undergraduate students (N = 2,293) enrolled at a large Midwestern university between 2007 and 2010. In 2008, tobacco use was banned on campus. Additionally, campus-wide tobacco cessation services and information were provided to all students. A self-report measure assessing demographics and tobacco use prevalence was administered at baseline and at 3 timepoints over the following 3 years. RESULTS: Results indicated that smokeless tobacco use decreased significantly after the ban. Members of fraternities (a high-risk group) reported significant decreases in smokeless tobacco use for the first 2 years following the ban; however, this trend did not persist during the 3rd year of assessment. Off-campus residents displayed similar trends as fraternities. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that a campus-wide tobacco ban is an effective prevention method for decreasing smokeless tobacco use. However, initial decreases in smokeless tobacco use may not persist for some at risk groups, namely members of fraternities and students living off-campus. Future studies should examine prevalence of use over longer periods of time with a particular focus on at risk groups. Overall, this study lends considerable support for efforts toward tobacco-free campuses.

Changes in smoking prevalence, attitudes, and beliefs over 4 years following a campus-wide anti-tobacco intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the effectiveness of an institutional intervention aimed at decreasing prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to smoke on campus over a 4-year period. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were undergraduate students (N = 4,947) enrolled at a large Midwestern university between 2007 and 2010. METHODS: In 2008, tobacco use was banned on campus. Additionally, campus-wide tobacco cessation services and information were provided to all students. A self-report measure assessing demographics, smoking prevalence, attitudes, and smoke exposure was administered at baseline and at 3 time points over the following 3 years. RESULTS: The percentage of more frequent smokers and less frequent smokers decreased across assessment points. The program appeared to be less effective for female smokers than male smokers. Further, a significant change in attitudes and secondhand smoke exposure was observed. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that a campus-wide tobacco ban is a well-accepted and effective prevention method for smoking. This study lends considerable support for efforts towards smoke-free campuses.