Date:2020-7-1 11:15:52 Clicks:924 【Font Size:
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The potential of e-cigarettes to promote smoking in non-smokers should be considered when assessing the public health impacts. A recent study revealed that former smokers who used e-cigarettes were more likely to smoke cigarettes again.
A nationally representative survey in the United States followed up 2,273 ex-smokers, who did not use any tobacco products at baseline, for 4 years. The ex-smokers were categorized into long-term ex-smokers, who quit smoking more than 12 months before the survey, and recent ex-smokers, who quit smoking in 12 months before the survey. Tobacco use, including cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use, was asked in each wave of survey. The results showed that e-cigarette use was associated with subsequent smoking relapse. Long-term ex-smokers were 279% more likely while recent ex-smokers were 63% more likely to relapse after using e-cigarettes. Researchers suggested that re-exposure to nicotine through e-cigarettes might have increased nicotine cravings, thus explaining the associations.
COSH encourages smokers to quit smoking as early as possible, and to quit with recognized methods instead of e-cigarettes and other alternative smoking products. To motivate smokers to take the first step to quit and enjoy the smoke-free healthy life, COSH organizes the “Quit to Win” Smoke-free Community Campaign. The Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline 1833183 operated by the Department of Health offers cessation information and access to different cessation services. Smokers are encouraged to seek cessation services when difficulties arise during quitting.