title: The perceived effects of electronic cigarettes on health by adult users: A state of the science systematic literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a lack of research on perceived health effects of electronic cigarettes by adult users. Because more people are choosing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in addition to, or instead of traditional cigarettes, it is important for the nurse practitioner (NP) to understand why.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive literature search was conducted using four scholarly databases. The search strategy utilized remained consistent. Qualitative, quantitative, observational studies and meta-analyses were considered for review. Of the 52 articles preliminarily retrieved, 9 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of e-cigarette users perceive they are less harmful to health than traditional cigarettes. One reason for use is smoking cessation. Current guidelines recommend against promoting e-cigarette use. More research is needed on the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes as well as regulatory statements to guide future healthcare practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As prevalence of e-cigarette use increases, it is important for NPs to understand the perceived effects on health by adults who use them and, specifically, how these perceptions motivate use. Armed with this information, the NP can communicate with patients about e-cigarettes, confidently recommend against their use, and begin discussions about reliable smoking cessation tools and resources that will help patients achieve their goals.
authors.affiliation: The University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tomashefski
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D066300:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / Q000523:psychology*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Electronic-cigarettes; effects; health; smoking cessation