The effectiveness of using e-cigarettes for quitting smoking compared to other cessation methods among adults in the United Kingdom.

Introduction:
This summary will provide an overview of a study examining the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes (ECs) as a smoking cessation aid compared to other methods. The study utilizes data from a longitudinal survey of adult smokers in the United Kingdom. The key points section will highlight the study design, participant demographics, and the main findings regarding the relative effectiveness of ECs and other cessation methods.

Key points:

* The study used data from a longitudinal survey of adult smokers in the United Kingdom, with four consecutive wave-to-wave transitions analyzed.
* Participants were cigarette smokers at the baseline wave who attempted to quit smoking between waves. The final analytic sample included 1155 unique participants providing 1580 pairs of observations.
* The primary outcome was abstinence from smoking for at least one month at follow-up, and the secondary outcome was at least one month's abstinence from smoking between baseline and follow-up.
* The main predictor was stop smoking aid used, adjusted for demographics.
* Compared to using no help, the odds of abstinence were increased by daily use of disposable/cartridge ECs and daily use of re fill/modular ECs.
* Odds of abstinence were reduced by non-daily use of disposable/cartridge ECs and by use of disposable/cartridge ECs to quit and no longer using at follow-up.
* Results were similar for the secondary outcome, with the addition of increased odds of abstinence for those using smoking cessation medication.

Main message:
The study suggests that when used daily, electronic cigarettes can facilitate abstinence from smoking when compared to using no help. This finding emphasizes the potential role of ECs as a smoking cessation aid, particularly when used consistently. however, non-daily use or discontinuation of EC use after quitting was not associated with abstinence, further highlighting the importance of consistent use. The results support the idea that ECs can be a valuable tool for smokers trying to quit, but they should be used daily to maximize their effectiveness.

McDermott MS, East Ka, Brose LS, McNeill a, hitchman SC, Partos TR. The effectiveness of using e-cigarettes for quitting smoking compared to other cessation methods among adults in the United Kingdom. addiction (abingdon, England). 2021;116(10):2825-2836. doi:10.1111/add.15474