New Zealand Survey: More Smokers Turn to Vaping to Quit

A study from the University of Otago in Wellington found that smokers are increasingly using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.
 
The lead author of the study, Professor Richard Edwards from the university's Department of Public Health, found that e-cigarette use is most common among the 18-24 age group and among recent quitters. The study also indicated that awareness levels and e-cigarette use among smokers and recent quitters increased from 2016 to 2018.

As part of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) project in New Zealand, the study included surveys of 1,155 smokers or recent quitters from 2016 to 2017 and 1,020 from 2018 (with 400 being Māori). Participants were recruited from a nationally representative New Zealand health survey and were asked about their smoking behaviors, perceptions of e-cigarettes, and reasons for use.

The 2018 survey found that the vast majority of surveyed smokers (98%) were aware of e-cigarettes. A total of 77% of respondents reported having tried vaping, 22% reported using e-cigarettes at least monthly, and 11% used e-cigarettes daily. Professor Edwards noted that the usage patterns among Māori and non-Māori participants were generally similar.

78% Use E-cigarettes to Quit Smoking

19% of respondents were aged 18-24, while 10% were from the older age group. Among recent quitters, the highest usage was 23% daily, while among current smokers, 8% were now vaping. 78% used e-cigarettes to quit smoking, and 81% used e-cigarettes to help them quit. In terms of age, 19% of users were aged 18-24, while 10% were from the older group, which is not surprising as younger people are more tech-savvy.

Professor Edwards stated that it is encouraging that e-cigarette use is prevalent among recent quitters and those looking to quit. He said, "This indicates that e-cigarettes help reduce smoking rates and contribute to the goal of a smoke-free Aotearoa by 2025."

On the other hand, he added that the widespread use among the younger generation is concerning. "However, it is worrying that e-cigarettes are more prevalent among the 18-24 age group. If e-cigarettes are to make a substantial contribution to reducing smoking, they need to be used more among older populations."

Many Smokers Do Not Use E-cigarettes Regularly

Another concerning finding for researchers is that a large number of smokers reported that they only tried e-cigarettes rather than using them regularly. "The most common potential barriers are that 68% of respondents believe that vaping is less satisfying than smoking, 39% mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes are as harmful or more harmful than smoking, or are uncertain (15%).

He added that such beliefs indicate a need for public education about vaping through platforms like the Vaping Facts website. "This can help smokers understand the relative costs and harms of smoking and e-cigarettes, encouraging smokers to quit or completely switch to e-cigarettes, and encouraging smokers to seek expert advice from professional retailers to provide them with the best e-cigarette products."

People find that saving money is a significant motivating factor for this transition.

Edwards also noted that the most common incentive for people to quit smoking is saving money, so maintaining high taxes on smoking products compared to e-cigarettes may prove effective.

Regarding achieving New Zealand's smoke-free goal, the authors of the study report that, as it stands, it is unlikely to be achieved by 2025, especially for Māori and Pacific peoples, where more action is needed. "E-cigarettes have made a beneficial contribution, but more effort is required to ensure that all New Zealanders can enjoy a smoke-free Aotearoa. A comprehensive strategy is needed to make combustible tobacco products less appealing, less addictive, and less accessible to complement the impact of alternatives like e-cigarettes in reducing smoking rates."