The researchers procured data from the 2014-2017 National Health Interview Survey, an annual, cross-sectional survey of nationally representative samples of US adults. The total sample consisted of 125,302 survey participants.
While smoking rates in the US are on the decline, among adults with SPD, the prevalence of cigarette, e-cigarette, and dual product use did not change from 2014 to 2017. This contrasts with a decrease in use in all three areas among individuals without SPD.
Psychiatrists want safer alternatives access for their patients
Sadly, this pattern of use is common worldwide. In fact Australian psychiatrists are against the harsh ban on nicotine-containing vaping products across Australia, and have been pointing out how switching to the proven safer alternatives could improve their patients’ quality of life.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), have rightly argued that mentally unwell individuals have a higher tendency to smoke, than healthier members of society. Hence, this group benefit greatly from having access to the safer alternatives, that would at least decrease the likelihood of them experiencing the preventable ailments associated with smoking.
“E-cigarettes … provide a safer way to deliver nicotine to those who are unable to stop smoking, thereby minimising the harms associated with smoking tobacco and reducing some of the health disparities,” said the organization in 2017. “The RANZCP therefore supports a cautious approach that takes into account …the significant health benefits which these products present.”
Read Further: NCBI
Australian Psychiatrists urge authorities to lift nicotine ban
