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Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Nursing

Thesis Committee Chairperson

Lisa Ball, PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Second Reader

Jacqueline Gallagher DNP, BS, MS, ANP-C, ACNP-C

Abstract

Objectives: Research has shown trends in electronic cigarette use have grown to overwhelming proportions since their introduction to the U.S. market in 2007. The purpose of this thesis study was to explore older adult expectancies associated with the use of electronic cigarettes.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive survey study was conducted utilizing the Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire (S-VCQ), (Morean & L’Insalata, 2017), a modified version of the Short Form Smoking Consequences Questionnaire, (Myers, 2003), in order to assess expectancies of the electronic cigarette user in the adult population, age 50 years and older. Dorothea Orem’s Self Care Deficit Nursing Theory was the theoretical nursing framework that fit with this study. An online survey was used to collected data from members of the National Vaping Network, which consists of 10,000 members who currently utilize electronic cigarettes.

Findings: While overall response rate was low, most findings reported were similar to those found in current studies. A total number of forty nine participants responded to the survey; five were excluded due to not meeting the inclusion criteria related to age, resulting in forty four surveys being included in the final analysis. The sample consisted largely of middle class Caucasian women who had a high school or some college education. Overall, 90% of the participants were former smokers. Results demonstrated that most participants associated vaping with taste, flavor, enjoyment, sensation and as a method to reduce tension and anxiety.

Conclusions: These findings illustrate the need for further research on the topic of electronic cigarettes and their overall health effects on patients. Nurse Practitioners must expand their knowledge regarding smoking devices of any sort in an attempt to enhance patient awareness, overall health, and successful smoking cessation.

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