Influence of Tobacco Product Characteristics and Marketing on Diverse Populations of Vape Shop Customers
Affiliated Groups
Status
In progress
Overview
Description:
This project, known as TCORS Project 2, will contrast three groups of vape shop customers — e-cigarette-only users (who never smoked cigarettes extensively); switchers (who quit smoking and now only use e-cigarettes); and dual users (who currently use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes) —regarding perceived appeal and anticipated purchase/use of e-cigarettes and combustible products currently and after hypothetical regulatory changes. Vape shops, which specialize in selling a variety of e-cigarette products, are a key channel of exposure to these products. The goal of this project is to examine how different segments of the vape shop customer population would likely react to hypothetical e-cigarette regulations. Researchers will conduct interviews with customers (ages 21 and older) exiting vape shops in a racially/ethnically diverse set of neighborhoods. Findings may inform future regulatory activities related to e-cigarettes.
Project Aims:
Aim 1: To test the hypothesis that hypothetical regulations related to sweet flavors, e-liquid propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin ratios, and ability to calibrate a device will be associated with lower e-cigarette appeal and lower anticipated future purchase/use in e-cigarette-only users (vs. switchers and dual users).
Aim 2: To test hypothetical marketing practices that may be associated with lower e-cigarette appeal and lower anticipated future purchase/use in e-cigarette-only users (vs. switchers and dual users).
Aim 3: To test the hypothesis that these hypothetical product regulations and marketing standards practices will be associated with lower e-cigarette appeal and lower anticipated purchase/use among young adults (age 21-29) vs. middle/older adults (30+).
Aim 4: To examine the above associations as a function of (a) current product(s) used, (b) race/ethnicity, (c) gender, (d) socioeconomic status, and (e) shop location.
Principal Investigators
Explore Research
Effects of Ice Flavors and Nicotine on E-Cigarette Product Appeal and Likelihood of Future Use in Adults
To test the hypothesis that there will be a main effect of flavor on appeal and intention to use, that there will be an interaction between ice flavor status and nicotine concentration, and to determine if there are effects of tobacco product user status.
Examining Risk Beliefs and IQOS Use Among Adults
To assess the effect of provision of IQOS, evaluate shifts in product perceptions and examine the acute changes via EMA/mobile spirometry in pulmonary functioning upon switching from combustible cigarettes to IQOS.
Evaluating the Influence of Local Flavored E-cigarette Sales Restrictions on E-cigarette and Other Tobacco Use Outcomes Among Vulnerable Populations
To examine the influence of FESRs on e-cigarette use, other tobacco use, and tobacco purchasing location among the historically targeted vulnerable populations