E-cigarette use in Canada: prevalence and patterns of use in a regulated market

Abstract

ObjectiveCanada is among the few countries in which e-cigarettes containing nicotine are prohibited. To date, there is little evidence on the prevalence and patterns of use of e-cigarettes in markets with product bans. The current study examines e-cigarette use among a sample of non-smokers and smokers in Canada.DesignOnline cross-sectional survey.SettingConducted in October 2013 using a commercial panel of Canadians from Global Market Insite, Inc (GMI).ParticipantsIn total, 1095 Canadians were included in the analysis: 311 non-smokers aged 16–24 years (younger non-smokers), 323 smokers aged 16–24 years (younger smokers) and 461 smokers 25 years and older (older smokers).Primary and secondary outcome measuresE-cigarette ever and current use, types of products used, and reasons for use.ResultsApproximately 79% of younger non-smokers, 82% of younger smokers and 81% of older smokers were aware of e-cigarettes. Ever trial of e-cigarettes was reported by 10% of younger non-smokers, 42% of younger smokers and 27% of older smokers. Moreover, current use of an e-cigarette, which was defined as use in the last 30 days, was reported by 0.3% of younger non-smokers, 18% of younger smokers and 10% of older smokers. Among those who had ever tried an e-cigarette, approximately 10% of younger non-smokers, 46% of younger smokers and 43% of older smokers reported trying an e-cigarette that contained nicotine. The most popular e-cigarette flavours were fruit followed by menthol, and the most common reason for using e-cigarettes was to help them quit smoking.ConclusionsIn the context of previous research, it appears that the prevalence of e-cigarette trial has increased in Canada. Although a considerable proportion of non-smokers have tried e-cigarettes, current use is almost entirely concentrated among smokers. Further research should be conducted to monitor e-cigarette use by Canadians.

Overview of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Systematic Review

“…The most commonly cited reasons for use by vapers include: to address tobacco craving/withdrawal symptoms 194,320,353 as reported by 67%–79% of adults 194 and as a smoking-reduction/cessation aid, 192,193,214,241,323,324,326,332,337,338,347,350,353,358,369,372,375,376,381,382,389,393,395,421,422,426,432,434,441,444,456,459,461,463,472,482,502 which was reported by 55%–85% of adults in nationally representative samples 323,350,395 ;to evade smokefree policies or avoid disturbing people with secondhand smoke, 192,193,214,323,324,332,337,338,341,345,347,350,353,358,369,372,374,376,387,389,395,421,426,432,434,441,455,456,461,472,478,502 as reported by 45%–85% of adults in nationally representative samples 323,350,395 ; andbecause they are perceived as less harmful/less toxic than cigarettes 192,194,323,324,326,…”

“…to address tobacco craving/withdrawal symptoms 194,320,353 as reported by 67%–79% of adults 194 and as a smoking-reduction/cessation aid, 192,193,214,241,323,324,326,332,337,338,347,350,353,358,369,372,375,376,381,382,389,393,395,421,422,426,432,434,441,444,456,459,461,463,472,482,502 which was reported by 55%–85% of adults in nationally representative samples 323,350,395 ;…”

“…because they are perceived as less harmful/less toxic than cigarettes 192,194,323,324,326,337,338,341,345–347,350,353,358,372,374,375,382,395,422,434,455,456,459,461,472,502 by 45%–75% of adults in nationally representative samples. 323,350,395 …”

“…Users also report using ENDS because they are less expensive than cigarettes, 145,194,332,337,338,341,350,353,358,372,389,395,455,456,459,472,502 for relapse prevention, 194,353,372 out of curiosity, 341,347,350,358,421,422,432,434,441,444,456,461,476 because they are accessible and convenient, 341,366,387,477 for social reasons, 341,347,363,387,434,444,461,502,504 and because they taste 337,358,426,472,477,496 or smell better than cigarettes. 341,353,389,459,461 Flavors are viewed as an attractive characteristic of ENDS, 345,433 and are a cited reason for vaping.…”

Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Among Adolescents: Status of the Evidence and Public Health Recommendations

“…8,19 According to the 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey of middle school and high school students in the US, approximately 70% have been exposed to ENDS advertising including via stores, the Internet, television, movies, and newspapers and magazines. 18,20 Advertisements for traditional tobacco products are a risk factor for youth to begin smoking, as shown in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, a measure for monitoring international tobacco use control efforts.…”