10.2. SR 09-08-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E-cigarettes: an evidence update 9 never smokers is very low, estimated to be 0.2%. The prevalence of EC use plateaued between 2013-14, but appeared to be increasing again in 2015. Youth: Regular EC use among youth is rare with around 2% using at least monthly and 0.5% weekly. EC use among young people remains lower than among adults: a minority of British youth report having tried EC (~13%). Whilst there was some experimentation with EC among never smoking youth, prevalence of use (at least monthly) among never smokers is 0.3% or less. Overall, the adult and youth data suggest that, despite some experimentation with EC among never smokers, EC are attracting few people who have never smoked into regular use. Trends in EC use and smoking: Since EC were introduced to the market, cigarette smoking among adults and youth has declined. In adults, overall nicotine use has also declined (not assessed for youth). These findings, to date, suggest that the advent of EC is not undermining, and may even be contributing to, the long-term decline in cigarette smoking. Policy implications o Trends in EC use among youth and adults should continue to be monitored using standardised definitions of use. o Given that around two-thirds of EC users also smoke, data are needed on the natural trajectory of ‘dual use’, ie whether dual use is more likely to lead to smoking cessation later or to sustain smoking (see also Chapter 6). o As per existing NICE guidance, all smokers should be supported to stop smoking completely, including ‘dual users’ who smoke and use EC. Summary of Chapter 5: Smoking, e-cigarettes and inequalities Smoking is increasingly concentrated in disadvantaged groups who tend to be mo re dependent. EC potentially offer a wide reach, low-cost intervention to reduce smoking and improve health in disadvantaged groups. Some health trusts and prisons have banned the use of EC which may disproportionately affect more disadvantaged smokers.