Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
Volume 44, Issue 3, Pages 207-215Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.10.018
Keywords
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Funding
- U.S. National Cancer Institute [RO1 CA100362, P01 CA138389]
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research [79551, 115016]
- National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia [450110, APP1005922]
- Cancer Research UK [C312/A11943]
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
- Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute
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Background: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) initially emerged in 2003 and have since become widely available globally, particularly over the Internet. Purpose: Data on ENDS usage patterns are limited. The current paper examines patterns of ENDS awareness, use, and product-associated beliefs among current and former smokers in four countries. Methods: Data come from Wave 8 of the International Tobacco Control Four-Country Survey, collected July 2010 to June 2011 and analyzed through June 2012. Respondents included 5939 current and former smokers in Canada (n = 1581); the U.S. (n = 1520); the United Kingdom (UK; n = 1325); and Australia (n = 1513). Results: Overall, 46.6% were aware of ENDS (U.S.: 73%, UK: 54%, Canada: 40%, Australia: 20%); 7.6% had tried ENDS (16% of those aware of ENDS); and 2.9% were current users (39% of triers). Awareness of ENDS was higher among younger, non-minority smokers with higher incomes who were heavier smokers. Prevalence of trying ENDS was higher among younger, nondaily smokers with a high income and among those who perceived ENDS as less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Current use was higher among both nondaily and heavy (>= 20 cigarettes per day) smokers. In all, 79.8% reported using ENDS because they were considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes; 75.4% stated that they used ENDS to help them reduce their smoking; and 85.1% reported using ENDS to help them quit smoking. Conclusions: Awareness of ENDS is high, especially in countries where they are legal (i.e., the U.S. and UK). Because trial was associated with nondaily smoking and a desire to quit smoking, ENDS may have the potential to serve as a cessation aid. (Am J Prev Med 2013;44(3):207-215) (C) 2013 American Journal of Preventive Medicine
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