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Study Review Analyzes How E-Cigarettes Are Affecting Smoking Behaviour

A new study published in the journal Tobacco Induced Diseases, has indicated once again that e-cigarettes are more effective than other NRTs in helping people successfully quit smoking.

Diane Caruana

May 6, 2021

The study titled, “The effect of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation and cigarette smoking initiation: An evidence-based rapid review and meta-analysis,” conducted systematic searches of eleven databases from January 2015 to June 2020. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing e-cigarettes with placebo e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or no e-cigarette use, were included in the review.

No serious adverse events from vaping were reported in the included studies.

The two primary outcomes that the researchers analysed were smoking cessation among smokers and smoking initiation among non-smoking teenagers, whilst looking out for any adverse events as a secondary outcome. With regards to smoking cessation, findings from 4 systematic reviews indicated that e-cigarettes contributed to quitting, while one suggested the opposite.

Data from 5 random controlled trials suggested that e-cigarettes were superior to other NRTs (such as patches or gum) or placebo for smoking cessation, while other data suggested that adolescents who ever used e-cigarettes had a greater risk for smoking initiation than non-users. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies.

Vaping linked to personality factors

Meanwhile, in line with previous findings and countless arguments by public health experts, another recent study of high school seniors in the U.S., found that teens who crave excitement are more likely to use multiple illicit substances, including tobacco and vaping products.

Researchers Kevin Tan and Douglas C. Smith, found that those teens who are less satisfied with their lives and seek out risky and exciting experiences are the ones more likely to use multiple illicit substances regularly, including nicotine via e-cigarettes. Additionally, found the study, the participants’ attitude towards vaping also reflected how they viewed other substances.