New study aims to measure behaviors, attitudes of smokers who use both cigarettes and e-cigarettes

The use of electronic cigarettes ("e-cigarettes") has increased dramatically in recent years. The majority of new "vapers" were already cigarette smokers. To date, little is known about how e-cigarette use changes over time or how it affects the use of traditional cigarettes. Such information would be valuable for understanding the long-term impact of e-cigarettes and for determining whether e-cigarettes help or hinder smoking cessation.

The National Institutes of Health has awarded Moffitt Cancer Center a research grant to study changes in traditional cigarette and e-cigarette use over time among individuals who are currently using both products. Project EASE (E-cigarette And Smoking Evaluation) is a nationwide study that will follow 2,500 participants for two years to measure their behaviors and attitudes regarding cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Participants will complete brief surveys at three-month intervals.

"Electronic cigarettes have already changed the world of nicotine and tobacco use, and the research is still catching up," said Thomas H. Brandon, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior and director of the Tobacco Research and Intervention Program at Moffitt. "Consequently, much of the advice offered on the topic of vaping is based on opinion and conjecture rather than evidence. This study is designed to provide the public health and medical communities with the data they need in order to give the best advice to smokers and vapers."

People who smoke and vape who are interested in learning more about participating in the nationwide study can visit ProjectEASE.Moffitt.org or call 1-877-954-2548.