title: Reasons for electronic cigarette use beyond cigarette smoking cessation: A concept mapping approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) continue to grow in popularity, however, limited research has examined reasons for ECIG use.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used an integrated, mixed-method participatory research approach called concept mapping (CM) to characterize and describe adults' reasons for using ECIGs. A total of 108 adults completed a multi-module online CM study that consisted of brainstorming statements about their reasons for ECIG use, sorting each statement into conceptually similar categories, and then rating each statement based on whether it represented a reason why they have used an ECIG in the past month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants brainstormed a total of 125 unique statements related to their reasons for ECIG use. Multivariate analyses generated a map revealing 11, interrelated components or domains that characterized their reasons for use. Importantly, reasons related to Cessation Methods, Perceived Health Benefits, Private Regard, Convenience and Conscientiousness were rated significantly higher than other categories/types of reasons related to ECIG use (p<.05). There also were significant model differences in participants' endorsement of reasons based on their demography and ECIG behaviors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that ECIG users are motivated to use ECIGs for many reasons. ECIG regulations should address these reasons for ECIG use in addition to smoking cessation.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Psychology and Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, P.O. Box 980205, Richmond, VA 23298-0205, United States. Electronic address: eksoule@vcu.edu.
authors.forename: Eric K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Soule
authors.affiliation: Concept Systems, Incorporated, 136 East State St., Ithaca, NY 14850, United States.
authors.forename: Scott R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Rosas
authors.affiliation: Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of African American Studies, Department of Psychology and Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, P.O. Box 842509, Richmond, VA 23284-2509, United States.
authors.forename: Aashir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nasim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D066300:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Concept mapping; Electronic cigarettes; Mixed methods; Reasons for use