Initial Views and Experiences of Vaping in Prisons: A Qualitative Study With People in Custody Preparing for the Imminent Implementation of Scotland’s Prison Smokefree Policy

Author:

Brown Ashley1ORCID,O’Donnell Rachel1ORCID,Eadie Douglas1,Purves Richard1ORCID,Sweeting Helen2ORCID,Ford Allison1,Bauld Linda3,Hunt Kate1

Affiliation:

1. Institute for Social Marketing and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK

2. MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

3. Usher Institute and SPECTRUM Consortium, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Scotland is one of the few countries in which e-cigarettes were available in prisons before the introduction of a comprehensive national smokefree policy, to assist in its implementation. This qualitative study explores the initial views and experiences of vaping in this specific context, from the perspective of people in custody (prisoners). Aims and Methods Twenty-eight people in custody were interviewed approximately 1–2 months after rechargeable e-cigarettes were made available in prisons and 2–5 weeks before implementation of a smokefree policy. Data were thematically analyzed to identify the range and diversity of views and experiences. Results Participants expressed support for e-cigarettes in preparation for the smokefree policy, describing their symbolic and practical value in this context. Uptake of vaping was strongly influenced by the need for participants to manage without tobacco in the near future. Participants evaluated their initial vaping experiences, either positively or negatively, in relation to the utility of e-cigarettes for mandated smoking abstinence and in providing satisfaction, pleasure, and novelty. Participant views on several issues related to e-cigarette use, both specific to the prison population (product choice and cost) and more generally (safety and long-term use), are explored. Conclusions Our findings suggest possible benefits of e-cigarettes as one means of supporting smokefree policy in a population with many smokers. They also point to potential challenges posed by vaping in prisons and smokefree settings caring for similar populations. There is a need for ongoing measures to maximize the health benefits of smokefree settings and for further research on vaping in situations of enforced abstinence. Implications To our knowledge, no published studies have explored views and experiences of vaping in prison, when rechargeable vapes were new and the removal of tobacco was imminent. The results can inform tobacco control policy choices, planning and implementation in prisons and similar settings. In prison systems that permitting vaping, it is important that other measures (eg, information campaigns and nicotine dependence services) are implemented concurrently to minimize potential risks to the health or personal finances of people in custody.

Funder

Cancer Research UK

Medical Research Council

Chief Scientist Office

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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