Correlates of electronic cigarette use in the general population and among smokers in Australia—Findings from a nationally representative survey.

Introduction:
In this article, the authors present the results of a study examining the prevalence and correlates of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in Australia using data from a nationally representative survey. The study also explores the association between e-cigarette use, intention to quit smoking, and reduction in smoking among smokers and recent quitters. The study is important for understanding the patterns of e-cigarette use in Australia, where the regulatory environment is distinctive and few empirical studies have been conducted.

Key Points:

* The study found that the prevalence of e-cigarette use in Australia was low in 2016, with 1.2% of the population being current users and 0.5% using e-cigarettes daily.
* Smoking status was the strongest correlate of e-cigarette use, with current and ex-smokers being more likely to use e-cigarettes than non-smokers.
* Male, younger age, and higher levels of psychological distress were also associated with e-cigarette use.
* Among smokers, intention to quit smoking and reduction in smoking were associated with experimentation and daily use of e-cigarettes, but not with occasional use.
* Recent quitting was associated with daily use of e-cigarettes among smokers.
* The study found that some smokers may attempt to use e-cigarettes to cut down their tobacco use, and those who vaped daily were mostly likely to be recent quitters.

Main Message:
The study highlights the low prevalence of e-cigarette use in Australia and the strong association between e-cigarette use and smoking status. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes may be used as a cessation aid or a less harmful substitute for combustible tobacco, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering the regulatory environment when examining patterns of e-cigarette use. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into e-cigarette use in Australia and contributes to the ongoing debate about the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.

Chan G, Leung J, Gartner C, Yong HH, Borland R, Hall W. Correlates of electronic cigarette use in the general population and among smokers in Australia—Findings from a nationally representative survey. Addictive Behaviors. 2019;95:6-10. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.02.012