Two-year trends and predictors of e-cigarette use in 27 European Union member states

Introduction:
This text analyzes data from two Eurobarometer surveys to assess changes in e-cigarette use and perceptions of harmfulness in the European Union (EU) between 2012 and 2014. It also explores associations of regular use with sociodemographic factors and reasons for use.

Key Points:

* Ever use of e-cigarettes in the EU increased from 7.2% in 2012 to 11.6% in 2014.
* The perception that e-cigarettes are harmful increased from 27.1% in 2012 to 51.6% in 2014.
* Among those who reported that they had ever tried an e-cigarette in the 2014 survey, 15.3% defined themselves as current users.
* Those who tried an e-cigarette to quit smoking were more likely to be current users.
* Trends and prevalence of e-cigarette use vary by country.
* Reasons for use and sociodemographic factors are associated with current e-cigarette use.
* The variation in ever use of e-cigarettes could be explained by differences in the prevalence of current and former smoking.

Main Message:
The study provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of e-cigarette use and perceptions of harmfulness in the EU. The increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use, especially among those who use them to quit smoking, highlights the need for further research and regulation in this area. The variation in trends and prevalence by country suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective, and tailored strategies may be required. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of monitoring e-cigarette use and perceptions to inform policy and regulatory decisions.

Filippidis, Filippos T, Anthony A Laverty, Vasiliki Gerovasili, and Constantine I Vardavas. “Two-Year Trends and Predictors of e-Cigarette Use in 27 European Union Member States.” Tobacco Control 26, no. 1 (January 2017): 98–104. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2015-052771.