title: Electronic Cigarette Use among Current Smokers: A Pilot Qualitative Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study explored psychosocial influences of e-cigarette use among dual users.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two focus groups among adult current smokers who had ever used e-cigarettes were conducted in Georgia. Discussions were audio-recorded. Principles of grounded theory and thematic analysis were employed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reasons for initial use included curiosity and social influence. Themes related to regular use included enjoyment of sensory experiences and perception of reduced harm. Nicotine craving, social image, and convenience were reasons for initial and regular dual use. Two patterns of use emerged - (1) using e-cigarettes to supplement combustible cigarettes; and (2) to replace combustible cigarettes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reasons for dual use were related to nicotine dependence, social influence, product appeal, and perception of reduced harm. Understanding contextual nuances of dual use can inform policy and communication.
authors.affiliation: Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Ban A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Majeed
authors.affiliation: Behavioral Health Group, Westat, Rockville, MD.
authors.forename: Cassandra A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Stanton
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Shanta R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Dube
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion and Behavior, Georgia State University, School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Kymberle L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Sterling
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Joy D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Eriksen
keywords: cigarette smoking; dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes; e-cigarettes; nicotine addiction; nicotine craving; social image; social influence