About me
- Born in Sint-Joost-ten-Node (1979)
- 2010: proud mom of Zanna
- 2012: proud mom of Vince ('n Zanna)
Research Interests
- Electronic cigarette
- Health-related behaviors (smoking, chocolate craving) & conditioning
- Prevention of relapse
Early education / background
- Postdoctoral researcher of the Research Foundation - Flanders, Belgium (FWO) (2010-2013)
- Postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychology - University of Leuven (2007-2010)
- PhD in Psychology - University of Leuven (2007)
- MSc in Psychology - University of Leuven (2003)
- 1st year Psychology - Indiana University (Bloomington, USA) (1998)
Publications
please see below
Reprints of some of my publications can be requested by e-mail: CLEP-publications@ppw.kuleuven.be.
Publications
query=user:U0044393 year:[2004 TO 2024] &institution=lirias&from=1&step=20&sort=scdate
showing 1 to 20 of 100
Type
all | articles | presentations | conferences | chapters | other | reports | phd theses | book reviews | books | outreach | edited books
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Adriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Van Lommel, Sven; Baeyens, Frank;
2021.
Vaping during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Belgium.
Bmc Public Health; 2021; Vol. 21; iss. 1; pp. 1 - 10
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LIRIAS3224672
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Background: Due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Belgian government set out a range of measures to prevent the spread of the virus. One measure included closing all non-food shops, including vape shops. Methods: A retrospective online questionnaire was used to investigate the impact of closing the vape shops on the vaping and/or smoking behavior of current vapers. Results: The sample (n = 202) reached consisted of 70% exclusive vapers, 29% dual users and 1% no-product users. Over half (55%, 112/202) of participants needed to buy e-liquid during the lockdown, with a small majority being able to buy e-liquids – mostly with their usual nicotine concentrations, flavor or brand –, but as much as 39% (44/112) of them ran out of e-liquid. Those buying e-liquid mainly did so by making purchases via foreign online webshops. A similar pattern was observed with respect to purchasing hardware, with about half (47%, 95/202) of participants reporting hardware availability and with a small majority (53%, 107/202) reporting hardware unavailability. Of those indicating that hardware was not available, 38% (41/107) ran out of a properly functioning e-cigarette. A non-trivial minority had to consume e-liquids with another nicotine concentration, flavor or brand than usual. One seventh of exclusive vapers before lockdown relapsed partly or completely to smoking during the lockdown. The main reasons for changing vaping and/or smoking behavior included the unavailability of e-liquid with nicotine, the unavailability of hardware, and stress/worries about COVID-19. Conclusions: The majority of vapers succeeded in maintaining their vaping behavior as usual, highly likely due to (illegally) buying consumables online. Nevertheless, for a minority the lockdown period resulted in unintended consequences and these vapers relapsed (completely) to smoking. Even during periods of lockdown, smokers and vapers should be able to purchase low(er)-risk alternatives to smoking, for example e-cigarettes.
Publisher: BioMed Central
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; De Waele, F; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2021. Flemish general practitioners do not advise electronic cigarettes to smokers, but report a need for more evidence-based information.LIRIAS3478904
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; De Waele, F; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2021. Flemish general practitioners currently do not advise electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation, but report a need for more evidence-based information. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS3478905
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poster presentation
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journal-articleAdriaens, Karolien; Belmans, Eline; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2021. Electronic cigarettes in standard smoking cessation treatment by tobacco counselors in Flanders: E-cigarette users show similar if not higher quit rates as those using commonly recommended smoking cessation aids. Harm Reduction Journal; 2021; Vol. 18; iss. 1; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS3412061
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BACKGROUND: This interventional-cohort study tried to answer if people who smoke and choose an e-cigarette in the context of smoking cessation treatment by tobacco counselors in Flanders are achieving smoking abstinence and how they compare to clients who opt for commonly recommended (or no) aids (nicotine replacement therapy, smoking cessation medication). METHODS: Participants were recruited by tobacco counselors. They followed smoking cessation treatment (in group) for 2 months. At several times during treatment and 7 months after quit date, participants were asked to fill out questionnaires and to perform eCO measurements. RESULTS: One third of all participants (n = 244) achieved smoking abstinence 7 months after the quit date, with e-cigarette users having higher chances to be smoking abstinent at the final session compared to NRT users. Point prevalence abstinence rates across all follow-up measurements, however, as well as continuous and prolonged smoking abstinence, were similar in e-cigarette users and in clients having chosen a commonly recommended (or no) smoking cessation aid. No differences were obtained between smoking cessation aids with respect to product use and experiences. CONCLUSIONS: People who smoke and choose e-cigarettes in the context of smoking cessation treatment by tobacco counselors show similar if not higher smoking cessation rates compared to those choosing other evidence-based (or no) smoking cessation aids.
Publisher: Springer Nature
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Van Lommel, Sven; Baeyens, Frank; 2020. Vaping during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Belgium..LIRIAS3590471
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2020. First-year student’s perceptions regarding smoking and vaping and their smoking/shisha/vaping behavior..LIRIAS3224671
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thesis-dissertationAdriaens, Karolien; 2020. Vape the smoke away: A case for e-cigarette based Tobacco Harm Reduction. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS3145181
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Smoking rates have been decreasing slowly and minimally over recent years. Hereby, smokers keep exposing themselves to one of the leading causes of years of potential life lost. Current smoking cessation aids and strategies appear to be insufficient to further reduce smoking rates substantially and rapidly. Contributing factors to these disappointing figures are: 1) the fact that current aids do not take into account the behavioral aspects of smoking and do not deliver sufficient nicotine to the user, 2) the idea that nicotine concentrations need to be reduced quickly to zero, and 3) the assumption that the main aim should be to completely quit using any form of nicotine/tobacco, which may not be attainable, nor even be desirable for many smokers. In contrast, Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) focusses on reducing or ideally eliminating the harmful effects of smoking tobacco by providing smokers with low(er)-risk alternatives. THR will be the focus of this dissertation and two promising THR candidates will be investigated: electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and Heat-not-Burn (HnB) cigarettes. The majority of the presented studies will target the e-cigarette. Chapter 1 describes our first randomized controlled trial wherein smokers, with no intention to quit smoking, were provided with (at that time being up-to-date) second-generation e-cigarettes. The trial investigated the acute effects of using e-cigarettes on craving reduction, and the long-term effects on smoking abstinence/reduction and experienced benefits/complaints. A total of 21% of participants was completely smoking abstinent six months after the final lab session. Chapter 2 consists of two studies aiming at implementing the e-cigarette in the standard smoking cessation treatment by tobacco counselors. The first study was a prospective cohort study showing that e-cigarette users had higher chances to be smoking abstinent compared to NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) users. The small sample size and short follow-up period of this study were countered in a second, larger interventional cohort study with seven months follow-up. Around 40% of e-cigarette users was completely smoking abstinent at the end, compared to 20% of NRT users. Chapter 3 comprises a six-month longitudinal field study focusing on smokers who were novice to vaping. We investigated the smoking/vaping trajectories and quit-smoking rates of smokers buying their first e-cigarette in a vape shop. Results revealed that almost 20% was smoking abstinent at the end of the study period. The last chapter regarding e-cigarettes, Chapter 4, focuses on dual users of both e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes. The study used an online questionnaire to determine potential differences between dual users and exclusive e-cigarette users. Main differences centered around variables proximal to the vaping behavior and its experienced effects. The final part of the dissertation will zoom into HnB cigarettes. Chapter 5 presents a randomized crossover behavioral trial that compared the acute effects on cigarette craving of using a HnB cigarette with using an e-cigarette or a tobacco cigarette. Overall, the HnB cigarette was equally effective as an e-cigarette and tobacco cigarette, with HnB cigarettes being slightly preferred over the e-cigarette. Finally, in Chapter 6 this dissertation provides an overall conclusion of the presented studies and will try to provide answers on the current challenges within the THR research field. The main conclusion is that it is important to provide smokers with a range of THR aids in addition to the currently available smoking cessation aids.
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Belmans, Eline; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2019. The effects of implementing the electronic cigarette in the standard quit-smoking treatment by tobacco counselors in Belgium..LIRIAS2898557
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Belmans, Eline; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2019. The effects of implementing the electronic cigarette in the standard quit-smoking treatment by tobacco counselors in Belgium..LIRIAS2823062
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presentationVan Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; Chaumont, Martin; Adriaens, Karolien; Smets, Jorien; 2019. When less is more: Vaping low-nicotine vs. high-nicotine e-liquid is compensated by increased wattage and higher liquid consumption..LIRIAS2823066
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Belmans, Eline; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2019. Effects of implementing the electronic cigarette in the standard quit-smoking treatment by tobacco counselors in Belgium..LIRIAS2823064
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journal-articleSmets, Jorien; Baeyens, Frank; Chaumont, Martin; Adriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; 2019. When less is more : Vaping low-nicotine vs. high-nicotine e-liquid is compensated by increased wattage and higher liquid consumption.. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; 2019; Vol. 16; iss. 5; pp. 1 - 18 keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS2372592
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(1) Background: Previous research (Van Gucht, Adriaens, and Baeyens, 2017) showed that almost all (99%) of the 203 surveyed customers of a Dutch online vape shop had a history of smoking before they had started using an e-cigarette. Almost all were daily vapers who used on average 20 mL e-liquid per week, with an average nicotine concentration of 10 mg/mL. In the current study, we wanted to investigate certain evolutions with regard to technical aspects of vaping behaviour, such as wattage, the volume of e-liquid used and nicotine concentration. In recent years, much more powerful devices have become widely available, e-liquids with very low nicotine concentrations have become the rule rather than the exception in the market supply, and the legislation has been adjusted, including a restriction on maximum nicotine concentrations to 20 mg/mL. (2) Methods: Customers (n = 150) from the same Dutch online vape shop were contacted (to allow a historical comparison), as well as 274 visitors from the Facebook group “Belgian Vape Bond” to compare between groups from two different geographies and/or vaping cultures. (3) Results: Most results were in line with earlier findings: Almost all surveyed vapers were (ex-)smokers, had started (80%) vaping to quit smoking and reported similar positive effects of having switched from smoking to vaping (e.g., improved health). A striking observation, however, was that whereas customers of the Dutch online vape shop used e-liquids with a similar nicotine concentration as that observed previously, the Belgian vapers used e-liquids with a significantly lower nicotine concentration but consumed much more of it. The resulting intake of the total quantity of nicotine did not differ between groups. (4) Conclusions: Among vapers, different vaping typologies may exist, depending on subcultural and/or geographic parameters. As a consequence of choosing low nicotine concentrations and consuming more e-liquid, the Belgian vapers may have a greater potential to expose themselves to larger quantities of harmful or potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) released during vaping.
Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
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journal-articleAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2018. IQOSTM vs. e-cigarette vs. tobacco cigarette: A direct comparison of short-term effects after overnight abstinence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; 2018; Vol. 15; iss. 12; pp. 1 - 20 keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS2348772
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Introduction: Research from Philip Morris International’s science division on its Heat-not-Burn product IQOSTM focused on its chemical, toxicological, clinical, and behavioral aspects. Independent research on the experiences and behavioral aspects of using IQOSTM, and how it compares to e-cigarettes, is largely lacking. The current randomized, cross-over behavioral trial tried to bridge the latter gaps. Methods: Participants (n = 30) came to the lab on three consecutive days after being overnight smoking abstinent. During each session, participants used one of three products (cigarette, e-cigarette, or IQOSTM) for five minutes. Exhaled CO (eCO) measurements and questionnaires were repeatedly administered throughout the session. Results: Smoking a cigarette for five minutes resulted in a significant increase of eCO, whereas using an IQOSTM resulted in a small but reliable increase (0.3 ppm). Vaping did not affect eCO. Cigarette craving reduced significantly after product use, with the decline being stronger for smoking than for e-cigarettes or IQOSTM. Withdrawal symptoms declined immediately after smoking or using IQOSTM, and with some delay after vaping. IQOSTM scored higher in terms of subjective reward/satisfaction and was slightly preferred to the e-cigarette. Discussion: Short-term use of IQOSTM has a minimal impact on eCO, is equally effective in reducing cigarette craving and withdrawal symptoms as an e-cigarette, and is slightly preferred.
Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
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journal-articleAdriaens, Karolien; Boermans, B; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2018. De elektronische sigaret als rookstophulpmiddel in de tabakologenpraktijk: Een prospectieve cohortstudie.. Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde; 2018; Vol. 74; iss. 21; pp. 1405 - 1414LIRIAS2089381
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Publisher: Nederlandstalige Medische Faculteiten in België
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journal-articleAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2018. About one in five novice vapers buying their first e-cigarette in a vape shop are smoking abstinent after six months.. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; 2018; Vol. 15; iss. 9; pp. 1 - 21 keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS2089380
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Background: E-cigarette use is rising with the majority of vapers purchasing their e-cigarettes in vape shops. We investigated the smoking/vaping trajectories and quit-smoking success rates of smokers deciding to start vaping for the first time and buying their e-cigarette in brick-and-mortar vape shops in Flanders. Methods: Participants filled out questionnaires assessing smoking/vaping behaviour at three moments (intake, after three and six months) and smoking status was biochemically verified using eCO measurements. Results: Participants (n = 71) were regular smokers (MeCO-intake = 22 ppm), half of whom reported a motivation to quit smoking in the near future. Participants bought 3rd/4th generation e-cigarettes and e-liquid with a nicotine concentration averaging 7 mg/mL. A smoking reduction of 53% (17 cigarettes per day (CPD) at intake to 8 CPD after six months) was observed, whereas eCO decreased to 15 ppm. Eighteen percent of participants had quit smoking completely (eCO = 2 ppm), another 25% had at least halved CPD, whereas 57% had failed to reduce CPD by at least 50% (including 13% lost to follow-up). Quitters consumed more e-liquid than reducers and those who continued to smoke. Conclusions: Around one in five smoking customers buying their first e-cigarette in a brick-and-mortar vape shop had quit smoking completely after six months.
Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2018. Experimental trial on the effectiveness of heat-not-burn cigarettes compared to e-cigarettes and regular tobacco cigarettes: Effects on acute craving, withdrawal, positive and negative experiences.. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS2089379
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oral presentation
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2018. Experimental trial on the effectiveness of heat-not-burn cigarettes compared to e-cigarettes and regular tobacco cigarettes: Effects on acute craving, withdrawal, positive and negative experiences.. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS2089378
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poster
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, frank; 2018. What are the long-term effects on the behavior of smoking customers who buy their first electronic cigarette in a vape shop?. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS2089377
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poster
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journal-articleAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2018. Differences between dual users and switchers center around vaping behavior and its experiences rather than beliefs and attitudes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ; 2018; Vol. 15; iss. 1; pp. 1 - 15 keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS1558855
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(1) Background: Many smokers completely switch to vaping (switchers), whereas others use e-cigarettes (e-cigs) alongside tobacco cigarettes (dual users). To the extent that dual users substantially lower the number of cigarettes, they will reduce health risks from smoking. However, from a medical point of view, exclusive vaping is preferable to dual use; (2) Methods: Using an online questionnaire we assessed behavioral, cognitive and attitudinal aspects of e-cig use in smoking and ex-smoking vapers; (3) Results: Our sample consisted of 19% dual users and 81% switchers. Before e-cig initiation, both groups smoked on average 22 cigarettes per day (CPD). After e-cig initiation, dual users decreased tobacco consumption by 82% and were low-to-moderately cigarette dependent. Both groups had been vaping for on average 22 months, were highly e-cig dependent, used state-of-the-art e-cigs, nicotine concentrations of 4–8 mg/mL and often flavors other than tobacco. Dual users used substantially less e-liquid per week than switchers but reported a similar number of puffs/day, experienced less e-cig efficacy, more practical problems, more negative and less positive consequences, and endorsed smoking reduction (rather than quitting) as a more important reason to start vaping. For both groups, e-cig risk perception was low and little stigmatization was experienced. Dual users preferred tobacco cigarettes in stressful situations and when rapid nicotine uptake is required. E-cigs were preferred where cigarettes are prohibited and to reduce second-hand smoke; (4) Conclusions: Differences between dual users and switchers center around variables proximal to the vaping behavior and its experienced effects rather than hinging on more general vaping-related beliefs and attitudes.
Publisher: Molecular Diversity Preservation International
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presentationAdriaens, Karolien; Van Gucht, Dinska; Baeyens, Frank; 2017. Differences between complete switchers to electronic cigarettes and dual users of electronic and tobacco cigarettes.LIRIAS1725152
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