Data From New Zealand Shows Positive E-Cig Use Trends

Data released from a recent national survey, has indicated that e-cig users tend to be current or former smokers, with no use being observed amongst never smokers.

The research led by the Health Promotion Agency and recently published in the scientific journal Addictive Behaviours, has found that over half (56.5 percent) of current smokers, had at least tried e-cigarettes. And while approximately one in six Kiwi adults have tried the devices, only 2 percent are current users.

Paper co-author, Professor Richard Edwards, who is Co-Director of the ASPIRE 2025 Research Group at the University of Otago, Wellington, pointed out that daily vaping is highest among amongst former smokers at 9%, and current smokers at 3.1%.  On the other hand, contrary to the ongoing alarmist claims across the US, no daily use was recorded amongst people who have never smoked.

“The findings from this nationally representative survey of adult New Zealanders give us a snapshot for how the use of e-cigarettes is developing,” said Professor Edwards. “The information from the survey will help monitor the uptake of e-cigarettes and provide evidence about their impact on smoking. It could also help in the development of interventions aiming to enhance the contribution of e-cigarettes to reducing smoking and its adverse health effects in Aotearoa.”