According to new research, the use of e-cigarettes and the level of awareness has increased among people who smoke and those who had recently quit smoking.
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that work by heating a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales and exhales. The liquid usually contains propylene glycol, nicotine, flavorings, glycerin, and other chemicals. The research team from the University of Otago, Wellington, has found that individuals who smoke regularly are trying to quit smoking using e-cigarettes. According to new research, the use of e-cigarettes and the level of awareness has increased, between 2016 and 2018, among people who smoke and had recently quit smoking.
Prof. Richard Edwards, the principal investigator of the study states that the use of e-cigarette was most common among people aged 18 to 24-year-olds and recent quitters. During this research, the researchers recruited around 1,020 individuals in 2018 and around 1,155 individuals between 2016 and 2017, those who smoked or quit smoking. Moreover, the participants were asked them about reasons for use, their awareness, as well as related beliefs. The researchers also found that around 77% of the participants had tried vaping whereas 11% are using e-cigarettes daily and 22% at least monthly.
The team found that there is a high awareness among people about vaping devices, around 98% of people who smoke and those who had recently quit smoking said that they were aware of e-cigarettes. Moreover, the team found that daily use was greatest among those who had recently quit smoking compared to current smokers and among people aged 18 to 24 years compared to older age groups. Around 78% of the participants reported using e-cigarettes to quit smoking and around 81% of the participants reported using e-cigarettes to cut down on smoking. Thus, the new research suggests that e-cigarettes contribute to reducing the prevalence of smoking.
