First‐ versus second‐generation electronic cigarettes: predictors of choice and effects on urge to smoke and withdrawal symptoms

Aims To (1) estimate predictors of first‐ versus second‐generation electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) choice; and (2) determine whether a second‐generation device was (i) superior for reducing urge to smoke and withdrawal symptoms (WS) and (ii) associated with enhanced positive subjective effects. Design Mixed‐effects experimental design. Phase 1: reason for e‐cigarette choice was assessed via questionnaire. Phase 2: participants were allocated randomly to first‐ or second‐generation e‐cigarette condition. Urge to smoke and WS were measured before and 10 minutes after taking 10 e‐cigarette puffs. Setting University of East London, UK. Participants A total of 97 smokers (mean age 26; standard deviation 8.7; 54% female). Measurements Single‐item urge to smoke scale to assess craving and the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (MPSS) to assess WS. Subjective effects included: satisfaction, hit, ‘felt like smoking’ and ‘would use to stop smoking’ (yes versus no response). Findings Equal numbers chose each device, but none of the predictor variables (gender, age, tobacco dependence, previous e‐cigarette use) accounted for choice. Only baseline urge to smoke/WS predicted urge to smoke/WS 10 minutes after use (B =0.38; P <0.001 and B =0.53; P <0.001). E‐cigarette device was not a significant predictor. Those using the second‐generation device were more likely to report satisfaction and use in a quit attempt (χ2 = 12.10, P =0.001 and χ2 = 5.53, P =0.02). Conclusions First‐ and second‐generation electronic cigarettes appear to be similarly effective in reducing urges to smoke during abstinence, but second‐generation devices appear to be more satisfying to users.