10.2. SR 09-08-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E-cigarettes: an evidence update 45 6. E-cigarettes and smoking behaviour Introduction Studies examining the relationship between EC use and smoking behaviour have focused on two main questions to date: (1) do EC help people to quit when used on a quit attempt, and, (2) what is the effect of using EC while smoking, on reductions in smoke intake, cigarettes per day, quit attempts, and stopping smoking? Because EC use is a relatively new phenomenon and the products are constantly changing with technological innovation, the studies examining these questions to date are heterogeneous. As mentioned earlier, studies vary in their definitions of EC use, including ever use, which could include one puff, to studies that discriminate between daily and non-daily use. Additionally, it is evident that many of the studies were not originally designed to study the effects of EC use on smoking behaviour due to the absence of rigour and omitted/unmeasured variables. Current recommendations for use of e-cigarettes to quit The National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) has published current recommendations for practice regarding the use of EC for stopping smoking [35]. The NCSCT recommends that practitioners be open to EC use among smokers trying to quit, particularly if they have tried other methods of quitting and failed. The NCSCT also provides more detailed guidelines for smokers wanting to use EC to quit, including differences in puffing on EC versus regular cigarettes, the need to try different types of EC to find one that works for them, and that multi-sessional behavioural support is likely to improve their success of quitting. Some services have welcomed smokers who wish to stop with the help of EC [36]. The NICE guidelines for tobacco harm reduction cover recommendations for the use of licensed EC for quitting, cutting down (reduction in cigarettes per day), and temporary abstinence [1], similar to NRT. Use for both cutting down and temporary abstinence have been shown to be precursors to quitting among smokers using NRT. As discussed in Chapter 3, no licensed EC are currently available. Use of e-cigarettes for stopping smoking STS data have shown that EC have quickly become the most common aid that smokers in England use to help them stop smoking (Figure 14). The rise in the use of EC as a stop smoking aid is occurring despite the fact that no licensed EC are available . Although the most effective way for stopping smoking, currently supported by the research literature [37, 38] is a combination of behavioural support (NHS in Figure 14)