Gender Differences in Satisfaction Ratings for Nicotine Electronic Cigarettes by First-Time Users

Abstract

Introduction. Nicotine electronic cigarettes (NECs) are becoming increasingly popular as a potentially safer alternative to tobacco but little is known regarding their subjective effects, including possible gender differences. Method. Participants were New Zealand smokers with no intention to quit (N=357) and whom had never used an NEC. During an interview in November-December 2012, participants sampled an NEC and rated it and their own-brand tobacco for satisfaction on a 10-point visual analogue scale. Participants were contacted again in February-March 2013 after a 10% increase in the tobacco excise tax on 1 January 2013. Results. Overall participants rated NECs 83.3% as satisfying as own-brand tobacco. Females rated NECs more highly than males. Of those who agreed to be re-interviewed (n=227), 37.8% said they had cut back or made a change in their smoking habit and 7% had quit in February-March 2013. NEC satisfaction ratings predicted changes in smoking habit and reductions in nicotine dependence after controlling for covariates including demographic variables, factory-made vs. roll-your-own tobacco preference, and addiction scores. Conclusion. Smokers' first impressions of NECs were very favourable, and were correlated with readiness to change after a tobacco tax increase. NECs appear to be particularly attractive for female smokers, and their use may help to improve the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy for women.