10.2. SR 09-08-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E-cigarettes: an evidence update 29 The overall pattern of EC use in the population is mirrored among last year smokers for whom EC prevalence increased from 2011, but decline d from 22% for any use and 14% for daily use in Q3 2014, to 19% and 11% respectively in Q4 2014; however , any and daily use increased again to 23% and 15% respectively in Q1 2015 (Figure 2). Figure 2: Prevalence of e-cigarette use among last year smokers (STS) From www.smokinginengland.info/latest-statistics/ ASH Smokefree GB adult survey The ASH surveys indicated a slowing down in the increase of EC use in the population between 2014 and 2015 and use among current smokers in 2015 remained at the 2014 level (17.6% of smokers in 2014 and 2015). Use among ex-smokers increased from 1.1% in 2012, to 4.5% in 2014 and 6.7% in 2015, whereas no increase in use was observed among never smokers over the last few years, remaining at 0.2% since 2013. This means that the increase in EC use observed overall was accounted for by an increase in use by ex-smokers. It is not clear to what extent this is due to smokers stopping smoking using EC or ex-smokers taking up ECs. Summary The prevalence of EC use among adults has plateaued. Most of the recent increase in use appears to be among ex-smokers. Cigarette smoking has declined over the period when EC use increased and overall nicotine use has also declined. These findings suggest that the advent of EC is not undermining and may be contributing to the long- term decline in cigarette smoking.