One in Five Ex-Smokers in England Now Vape: Trends, Statistics & Insights
A new study from UCL researchers reveals that about 2.2 million ex-smokers in England currently use e-cigarettes, representing one in five individuals who quit smoking for more than a year. This study, published in BMC Medicine and funded by Cancer Research UK, indicates that the rise in vaping is largely due to its use as a tool to quit smoking.
The research analyzed survey data from over 54,000 adults in England, collected between October 2013 and May 2024. It found that the vaping rates among ex-smokers have increased significantly since 2013, when only one in 50 reported vaping. By 2024, this figure had risen to one in ten, and the prevalence further increased to one in five by 2024, following the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes.
Additionally, the study highlights a change in the use of e-cigarettes during quit attempts. In 2013, 27% of quit attempts involved e-cigarettes, compared to 41% in 2024. Notably, younger individuals show a higher tendency to vape; 59% of those aged 18 who quit smoking reported vaping in 2024, while only 11% of those aged 65 and older did the same.
The analysis also found a marked increase in vaping among ex-smokers who had maintained their abstinence from nicotine for years. For instance, among those who quit smoking before 2011, the vaping rate increased from 0.4% in 2013 to 3.7% by May 2024.
How do e-cigarettes influence long-term smoking cessation and relapse rates among ex-smokers?
Interview with Professor Lion Shahab on the Impact of E-Cigarettes Among Ex-Smokers in England
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Professor Shahab. Your recent study published in BMC Medicine reveals some significant trends regarding ex-smokers and e-cigarette usage in England. Can you provide an overview of your findings?
Professor Shahab: Certainly. Our research analyzed survey data from over 54,000 adults in England, and what we found is that approximately 2.2 million ex-smokers are currently using e-cigarettes. This represents about one in five individuals who have successfully quit smoking for more than a year. There has been a marked increase in vaping among ex-smokers, from one in 50 in 2013 to one in ten by 2024, and then further rising to one in five. The rise is particularly noticeable with the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes.
News Directory 3: That’s quite a shift. What factors do you believe contributed to this notable increase in vaping among ex-smokers?
Professor Shahab: A key factor appears to be the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation efforts. Specifically, we found that the percentage of quit attempts involving e-cigarettes rose from 27% in 2013 to 41% in 2024. Young adults have shown the most significant increase; in 2024, 59% of ex-smokers aged 18 reported using e-cigarettes compared to just 11% of those aged 65 and older. This suggests that younger individuals are more open to vaping as a quitting tool.
News Directory 3: With vaping becoming commonplace among ex-smokers, what implications do you foresee for long-term abstinence from smoking?
Professor Shahab: That’s a crucial question. The implications of long-term vaping remain unclear. On one hand, vaping could risk a relapse into smoking, because of behavioral similarities to traditional cigarettes. On the other hand, it might help prevent relapse by alleviating nicotine cravings without involving combustible tobacco. This dual nature emphasizes the need for further long-term studies to ascertain how best to support those who have quit smoking.
News Directory 3: Given these findings, what recommendations would you make for public health policies regarding vaping and smoking cessation?
Professor Shahab: Public health policies need to adapt to the increasing role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation. While e-cigarettes might be beneficial for some as a transition away from smoking, we must also ensure that they do not become a gateway back to traditional smoking, especially among the younger population. Education and resources should be tailored to support ex-smokers who choose to vape, while also promoting the cessation of all nicotine products in the long run.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Professor Shahab. It sounds like your research is opening up new discussions about vaping’s role in public health and smoking cessation.
Professor Shahab: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we continue to examine the evolving landscape of smoking cessation to effectively support individuals in their journey to quit.
Professor Lion Shahab, the senior author of the study, noted the unclear implications of these findings. Long-term vaping may either increase the risk of relapse to smoking due to similarities with cigarette use or help reduce the risk of relapse by satisfying nicotine cravings without using cigarettes. More long-term studies are needed to determine the best outcomes for those who have quit smoking.
This research underscores the growing role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation efforts, particularly among younger people and heavy drinkers, and highlights the need for careful consideration as vaping becomes more common among those who have quit smoking.