Social connections influencing e-cigarette use and intentions in Australia: a survey

Background: Social factors play a role in e-cigarette uptake, but Australian evidence is limited. This study evaluated associations between social factors and e-cigarette intention and use. Methods: Australian participants surveyed between March 2019 and July 2019 using a cross-sectional survey design, measuring e-cigarette intentions and use, and factors including smoking status and social acceptability. Results: Of 243 respondents, 185 were included in the final analysis, measuring e-cigarette intention and use, and factors including smoking status and social acceptability. Of 185 participants, daily, occasional, and ex-smokers (123 participants) were more likely to have used e-cigarettes (OR = 9.33; 95% CI 4.63-18.80) or intend to use e-cigarettes (OR = 4.86; 95% CI 2.32-10.21), relative to nonsmokers (62 participants). Participants reporting acceptability among people they study or work with (70 participants) were more likely to have used e-cigarettes relative to the reference group (OR = 16.76; 95% CI 3.70-75.83; p = 0.001) and were more likely report intending to use e-cigarettes relative to the reference group (OR = 3.40; 95%CI 1.58-7.30; p = 0.002). Conclusions: With caveats related to the survey participant composition, the results suggest that places of work or study may be an appropriate place to consider interventions aimed at reducing e-cigarette uptake among nonsmokers.

Automated summary

The study findings suggest that higher social acceptability of e-cigarettes in workplaces or educational settings is associated with increased likelihood of use or intention to use among individuals.