E-cigarette puff topography instruction to enhance switching among COPD patients who smoke
Abstract
Introduction Patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who smoke often face significant challenges when attempting to quit. However, switching to less harmful alternatives such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may help mitigate tobacco-related health outcomes. Training COPD patients who smoke to adjust their puffing topography could enhance nicotine delivery and satisfaction, thereby facilitating their transition to less harmful alternatives. This pilot study examined a novel puffing topography feedback intervention to facilitate switching to e-cigarettes among COPD patients. Methods The study participants (N = 46) completed a 12-week e-cigarette switching trial in which they were randomized (1, 1:1) to (1) brief advice, (2) low-intensity, or (3) high-intensity topography training. This approach differed in the extent to which participants took longer puffs to maximize nicotine delivery, alleviate craving and withdrawal symptoms, and facilitate switching. Lab-based vaping sessions were conducted at weeks 0 (visits 1 and 2; separated by 48 h) and 12 (visit 3) to assess changes in puff duration (primary outcome), craving, withdrawal symptoms, and nicotine delivery. Effect size estimates are presented. Results Puff duration was similar across conditions at baseline (range: 1.14–1.70s), and contrary to the hypotheses, neither low- nor high-intensity training led to meaningful changes in puff duration over time compared to brief advice (Hedge’s g…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 46 participants or records.
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