Electronic cigarette: use and perceptions among French military nurses in 2013

Introduction:
This article reports the findings of a survey conducted among French military nurses regarding their use and perceptions of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use, motivations for use, and perceptions among this population.

Key Points:

* The study found that the prevalence of smoking among the 200 responders was 40%.
* E-cigarette current use prevalence was 25%, with no significant difference according to gender and age.
* Tobacco smokers reported significantly more e-cigarette current use (51% vs 7%).
* Motives for e-cigarette use reported by smokers included curiosity (48%), intention to reduce tobacco consumption (43%), or to quit smoking (8%).
* Among users of both tobacco and e-cigarettes, 48% reported a significant decrease in tobacco consumption following e-cigarette initiation.
* Both tobacco smokers and non-smokers (88%) estimated that e-cigarette use was potentially harmful for health, but it was perceived as less harmful than tobacco by 46%.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarette use among military nurses follows the trends observed in the general population. E-cigarettes, which are seen as an attractive alternative to cigarettes, may contribute to a reduction in tobacco use among healthcare workers. However, it is important to note that the long-term safety of e-cigarettes needs to be further explored before they can be promoted as a strategy for tobacco harm reduction. Additionally, the study highlights the need for further research to explore the extent to which healthcare workers who use e-cigarettes encourage their patients to switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes.

Guillet, S, S Sicard, Jb Meynard, and A Mayet. “Electronic Cigarette: Use and Perceptions among French Military Nurses in 2013.” Swiss Medical Weekly, June 22, 2015. https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2015.14137.