Use of tobacco cessation aids and likelihood of smoking cessation: A French population-based study.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the relationship between tobacco cessation aids and successful smoking cessation among smokers in the general population. The study focuses on the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and electronic cigarettes, and how their use is associated with smoking cessation at 6, 12, and 24 months after a smoking cessation attempt. The study also considers the role of various socio-demographic and health-related factors in smoking cessation.

Key points:

* The study is based on data from the French Health Barometer, a representative general population telephone survey.
* The analysis is restricted to daily smokers and former daily smokers who have attempted to quit smoking at least once and for at least one week.
* The study considers three different outcomes corresponding to participants’ smoking status 6, 12, and 24 months after the smoking cessation attempt.
* The study controls for various socio-demographic and health-related factors that may be associated with smoking cessation.
* The use of an e-cigarette is significantly associated with tobacco cessation at 6, 12, and 24 months after the cessation attempt.
* The use of NRT is negatively associated with tobacco cessation at 12 and 24 months after the cessation attempt.
* The study suggests that the use of e-cigarettes alone or in combination with NRT is associated with an increase in the likelihood of smoking cessation, while the effects of the use of NRT alone on long-term smoking abstinence are limited.

Main message:
The study provides evidence that the use of e-cigarettes is associated with successful smoking cessation, while the use of NRT alone may have limited effects on long-term smoking abstinence. The results suggest that the use of e-cigarettes may be a useful tool in tobacco cessation efforts, particularly when used in combination with other cessation aids. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of e-cigarette use and to determine the most effective strategies for promoting smoking cessation.

Fekom M, Aarbaoui TE, Guignard R, et al. Use of tobacco cessation aids and likelihood of smoking cessation: A French population-based study. Preventive medicine reports. 2022;30:102044. doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102044