Real-world effectiveness of e-cigarettes when used to aid smoking cessation: a cross-sectional population study

Abstract

Background and AimsElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are rapidly increasing in popularity. Two randomized controlled trials have suggested that e-cigarettes can aid smoking cessation, but there are many factors that could influence their real-world effectiveness. This study aimed to assess, using an established methodology, the effectiveness of e-cigarettes when used to aid smoking cessation compared with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) bought over-the-counter and with unaided quitting in the general population.Design and SettingA large cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the English population.ParticipantsThe study included 5863 adults who had smoked within the previous 12 months and made at least one quit attempt during that period with either an e-cigarette only (n = 464), NRT bought over-the-counter only (n = 1922) or no aid in their most recent quit attempt (n = 3477).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was self-reported abstinence up to the time of the survey, adjusted for key potential confounders including nicotine dependence.FindingsE-cigarette users were more likely to report abstinence than either those who used NRT bought over-the-counter [odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.70–2.93, 20.0 versus 10.1%] or no aid (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.08–1.76, 20.0 versus 15.4%). The adjusted odds of non-smoking in users of e-cigarettes were 1.63 (95% CI = 1.17–2.27) times higher compared with users of NRT bought over-the-counter and 1.61 (95% CI = 1.19–2.18) times higher compared with those using no aid.ConclusionsAmong smokers who have attempted to stop without professional support, those who use e-cigarettes are more likely to report continued abstinence than those who used a licensed NRT product bought over-the-counter or no aid to cessation. This difference persists after adjusting for a range of smoker characteristics such as nicotine dependence.

Expectancies for Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Nicotine Replacement Therapies Among E-Cigarette Users (aka Vapers)

“…[15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Despite these concerns, a recent cross-sectional, retrospective study found that e-cigarette users in the general population were more likely than NRT users to have quit cigarette smoking. 22 In comparison to cigarettes, available evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are a safer nicotine delivery system. For example, levels of toxicants in e-cigarette vapor have been reported to be 9-450 times lower than in cigarette smoke 12 and particle emissions have been reported to be 5-10 times lower.…”

E-cigarettes: promise or threat?

“…8 In 2014, a cross sectional study was conducted in England following 5,863 smokers who attempted to quit in the last 12 months without professional support. 9 The authors reported that those who used ENDS fared better compared to those who used over the counter NRT (adjusted OR=1.63, 95% CI=1. 17-2.27) An ENDS product is yet to be approved as a medicinal product for smoking cessation by any governmental agency, although the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is in the process of reviewing some of these products.…”

Elektroninės cigaretės: naujas būdas mesti rūkyti ar nauja grėsmė?

“…Tiriant elektroninių cigarečių poveikį metant rūkyti gauti prieštaringi rezultatai (13,(63)(64)(65)(66)(67)(68)(69). Kai kuriais tyrimais nustatyta, kad el.…”

“…cigaretes vartoję tiriamieji, kurie bandė mesti rūkyti be profesionalios specialisto pagalbos, dažniau nurodė užsitę-susius nikotino abstinencijos simptomus, palyginti su vartojusiais pakaitinės nikotino terapijos priemones ar nenaudojusiais jokių priemonių (69).…”