An investigation into smokers’ accounts of e-cigarette use: What are the key factors that enable smokers to use ECs to quit smoking, and that deter smokers using ECs from quitting?

This is a joint PhD opportunity between Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University.

The 2015 Health Survey showed that 5% adults in England are currently using e-cigarettes (EC); a statistically significant increase from 3% in 2013. The prevalence of adults having used e-cigarettes was higher amongst current smokers, at 40%, which is also a marked increase. The availability of e-cigarettes is causing public health debate, with some suggesting that those ECs containing nicotine could reduce smoking cessation or even reinforce the smoking habit. Quantitative research has plotted relationships between EC use and tobacco cigarette use in a variety of samples, but very little research has focused on smokers’ lived experiences of e-cigarette use, and perceived impact on their tobacco cigarette smoking.

In this project, accounts of use and barriers for use in current smokers will be explored through interviews, focus groups, and online questionnaires using open-ended items to enable us to identify factors that might:
(i) help smokers to use ECs to quit;
(ii) deter smokers using ECs from quitting

Research Question
What are the key factors that enable smokers to use ECs to quit smoking, and that deter smokers using ECs from quitting?

Methods
Smokers who use ECs will take part in interviews and focus groups, and complete open-ended online questionnaires where they will be asked to explore their experiences of e-cigarette use. Data will be analysed using a mix of thematic analysis and discourse analysis to enable a full understanding of factors that may act as facilitators and barriers when using ECs to quit smoking.

This is a joint PhD opportunity between Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan.
The supervisory team will consist of:
Professor Sarah Grogan: [Email Address Removed] (Director of Studies - Manchester Met)
Professor Susan Powell: [Email Address Removed] (Manchester Met)
Dr Ivan Gee: [Email Address Removed] (LJMU)
Dr Lorna Porcellato: [Email Address Removed] (LJMU)

To apply, please submit an application form from this page by 1st June 2017:
http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/research/research-study/scholarships/guidance/