Italian Study: Vaping Is an Effective Tool for Quitting Smoking
The study, titled Benefits of E-Cigarettes for Smoking Reduction and Lung Health in Chronic Smokers Undergoing Lung Cancer Screening Over Six Months, aimed to determine whether e-cigarettes are considered effective and safe for smoking cessation support.
This study, titled “The benefits of e-cigarettes for reducing smoke exposure and improving lung health in chronic smokers undergoing lung cancer screening within six months,” aimed to determine whether e-cigarettes are considered effective and safe for supporting smoking cessation, and to assess their impact on lung function by observing differences in conditions such as coughing and shortness of breath, which are common among smokers.
A total of 210 smokers aged 55 and above were recruited. On average, they had smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day for at least 10 years. They were randomly divided into three groups: one group was given nicotine e-cigarettes, one group was given placebo e-cigarettes (without nicotine), and the control group was not given e-cigarettes. All participants took part in a 3-month smoking cessation program, including a cognitive behavioral plan to support behavior change and increase motivation to quit smoking.
Lower exhaled carbon monoxide levels with e-cigarettes
Based on self-reported measures, clinical assessments, and data collected using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, researchers found a significant difference in the number of cigarettes smoked per day among participants who were still smoking at 6 months. The nicotine e-cigarette group smoked an average of 11 cigarettes per day, while the non-nicotine e-cigarette group smoked 14 per day, and the control group smoked 13.5 per day.
Among those who were still smoking at 6 months, another significant difference between the groups was in exhaled CO levels (p <0.025). Participants in the nicotine e-cigarette group had an average exhaled CO level of 12.0, while those in the non-nicotine e-cigarette group averaged 15.3, and the control group averaged 16.5. (From a health perspective, lower exhaled carbon monoxide levels are preferable.)
E-cigarettes once again found effective for smoking cessation
Finally, there was also a significant difference in nicotine dependence among the groups (p <0.032). All participants showed low to moderate dependence at 6 months; smokers in the nicotine e-cigarette group had an average core score of 3.12, compared with 3.32 in the non-nicotine e-cigarette group and 3.59 in the control group.
“After 6 months, about 20% of the entire sample had stopped smoking. Participants using nicotine e-cigarettes were smoking less at 6 months than those in any other group (p <.020),” the researchers concluded. “Our data adds to the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of e-cigarettes in helping smokers reduce tobacco consumption and improve lung health.”
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