Summary: The study “Vaping: A Gateway to Smoking for Non-Smokers” explores the potential risks associated with vaping, particularly its role as a possible gateway to traditional cigarette smoking for non-smokers.
So, is it a Gateway to Smoking for Non-Smokers?
A new study led by the University of Otago has revealed that while vaping provides a pathway for smokers wanting to quit, it may also serve as the first step for non-smokers to start smoking. The research, which analyzed data related to the smoking and vaping status of New Zealanders from the 2018-2020 New Zealand Attitudes and Values survey, found that the prevalence of smoking was decreasing over time, while the prevalence of vaping was increasing.
The study found that in 2018, those who vaped were more likely to start smoking than those who smoked were to start vaping. However, in 2019, the opposite effect was observed. The prevalence of those in the survey who smoked decreased at each time point (7.4, 6.2, and 5.2 percent), while the prevalence of those who vaped increased (2.8, 2.9, and 3.4 percent).
Vaping is an increasing phenomenon worldwide. It is estimated that 81 million people vaped globally in 2022, up 39 percent from 58 million in 2018 and up 103 percent from 21 million in 2012. Recent estimates suggest that Aotearoa New Zealand has the second highest rates of ever using (15.5 percent) or currently using (7.8 percent) nicotine vaping products in the world.
The researchers found no consistent evidence that vaping acts as a cessation pathway from smoking. Instead, there are frequent transitions between smoking and vaping and vice versa. The results offer critical insight into the potential adverse effects of vaping and emphasize the need for stricter policies.
“Contrary to the desired hope, vaping appears to have emerged as just another smoking-related behavior rather than a substitute for smoking that primarily helps people quit,” says Andre Mason, a postgraduate student at the University of Otago and one of the researchers. The lack of evidence for a cessation effect through vaping suggests the drop in smoking prevalence may be due to other factors, such as marketing campaigns focused on the negative health impacts and increased costs of buying cigarettes.
[Source: Medical Xpress]
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