Rising Trend: Ex-Smokers Turn to Disposable E-Cigarettes for Vaping Relief

A recent decade-long study from University College London examined vaping trends among ex-smokers in England from 2013 to 2024. The study highlighted a sharp rise in vaping, particularly among younger adults. Researchers analyzed how age, social factors, and alcohol consumption influenced these trends.

Background

E-cigarettes became popular in the UK as smoking cessation tools after their introduction in 2008. By 2014, over a quarter of smoking quit attempts involved e-cigarettes. Evidence shows e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, yet questions about long-term health effects remain. Many ex-smokers begin vaping during their quit attempts, while others adopt it long after quitting.

About the Study

The researchers collected data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, involving over 54,000 adults in England. They conducted surveys from October 2013 to May 2024, transitioning from face-to-face to telephone interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were categorized by smoking status and assessed for vaping habits. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, and vaping behaviors.

Key outcomes evaluated included current vaping rates, e-cigarette use during quit attempts, and vaping uptake after quitting smoking. Researchers employed statistical analyses to examine trends over time and by subgroups.

Results

Vaping prevalence among ex-smokers increased significantly from under 2% in 2013 to 20.4% in 2024. Much of this rise occurred after 2021, coinciding with the surge in disposable e-cigarettes. Among younger adults, vaping rates reached 58.9%, compared to just 10.7% in those 65 and older.

Among those trying to quit smoking, e-cigarette use increased from 26.9% in 2013 to 41.4% in 2024. Late uptake of vaping among long-term quitters also rose, from 0.4% in 2013 to 3.7% in 2024, particularly among younger individuals and those who consume more alcohol.

The study found minimal gender differences in vaping rates, although male ex-smokers showed slightly higher prevalence. Vaping appeared to assist smoking cessation, but its role in preventing relapse remains uncertain.

Conclusions

The study revealed a substantial increase in vaping among ex-smokers in England, particularly among younger adults. While e-cigarettes may aid in quitting smoking, the late adoption of vaping among long-term quitters raises public health concerns. The researchers call for targeted public health policies to address the needs of different demographic groups. Further research is needed to understand vaping’s impact on smoking behaviors fully.