E-cigarette use in Serbia: Prevalence, reasons for trying and perceptions

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the prevalence, reasons for trying, and perceptions of e-cigarette use among the adult population in Serbia. The study aims to contribute to policy discussions and the framing of targeted awareness-raising campaigns.

Key Points:

* The study is based on a stratified three-stage, random, nationally representative survey conducted in December 2017, involving 1045 adults.
* The prevalence of ever using e-cigarettes among Serbian adults is 10.7%, with the majority (94.3%) either only trying it or being former users. Current e-cigarette use among adults is minimal (0.5%).
* Curiosity is the main reason for trying e-cigarettes (64.7%), and there are no significant differences in perceived influence on smoking status among different age, gender, education, or employment groups.
* Most Serbian adults agree that e-cigarettes are harmful to health (65.3%), and over half think second-hand vapor is harmful (51.1%). However, there are no significant differences in perception among different educational levels or smoking statuses.
* Logistic regression revealed that being employed and an ever user of e-cigarettes was associated with a lower perceived harm of e-cigarettes compared to being unemployed and never using e-cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study highlights the low prevalence of current e-cigarette use among Serbian adults, with curiosity being the primary reason for trying them. Most users do not perceive e-cigarettes as having influenced their smoking status. However, a significant proportion of Serbian adults believe e-cigarettes are harmful to health. These findings could inform policy discussions regarding e-cigarette regulation, emphasizing the need for better implementation of existing advertising bans and improvements in legislation.

Kilibarda, Biljana, Srmena Krstev, Minja Milovanovic, and K. Foley. “E-Cigarette Use in Serbia: Prevalence, Reasons for Trying and Perceptions.” Addictive Behaviors 91 (April 2019): 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.11.021.