Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the usage patterns and perceptions of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among australian adults. The study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding e-cigarette use, types, and perceptions in australia, which is vital for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to make informed decisions.
Key Points:
* The study is based on an online national population survey of australian adults.
* Participants were divided into three main themes: demographics and cigarette smoking status, e-cigarette use, and experiences and perceptions about e-cigarettes.
* Most respondents were male, employed full-time, and had completed or were undertaking university studies.
* almost two-thirds of respondents were daily or occasional tobacco smokers, and 23.2% were former tobacco smokers.
* Most respondents used a vape-pen or tank/vape-mod device as their main device, and 70.4% used e-liquids containing nicotine.
* The most popular flavors were tobacco, fruit, and menthol/mint.
* Most respondents did not know or did not care about the excipient ratio of their e-liquids.
* Current users generally perceived e-cigarettes to be safer compared with former, and younger users.
Main Message:
The study highlights the widespread use of e-cigarettes in australian adults, despite the strict regulatory environment. It also reveals a high proportion of users who are tobacco smokers, indicating a potential need for stronger enforcement of regulations. Furthermore, the large amount of uncertainty and ambiguity regarding the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as tobacco smoking cessation tools emphasizes the need for clear and appropriate dissemination of unbiased research findings. The authors suggest that frequent updates to data are necessary due to the rapidly changing e-cigarette legislation and market.
Citation
Larcombe aN, Chivers EK, huxley RR, Musk aBW, Franklin PJ, Mullins BJ. Electronic Cigarette Usage Patterns and Perceptions in adult australians. Toxics. 2023;11(3). doi:10.3390/toxics11030290
