THE MOST COMMON REASON FOR
USING AN E-CIGARETTE WAS AS
AN AID TO STOP SMOKING
Both current and ex-smokers stated their main reason for using
e-cigarettes was as an aid to stop smoking (50.1% and 48.2%
respectively). The second most common reason for both groups was
that they perceived e-cigarettes to be less harmful than cigarettes.
Of all current e-cigarette users aged 16 and over, just
over three-quarters (75.3%) used their e-cigarette every
day and a further 15.9% used one at least once a week.
The report also highlighted huge levels of variation over
how harmful different people perceived e-cigarettes to be.
It said: “Recently, there has been growing interest in smokers’
perceptions on the harm of smoking cigarettes relative to harm of
using e-cigarettes. In our data, on the whole, smokers tend to have
a different perception of e-cigarettes when compared with the
perceptions held by ex-smokers and those who have never smoked.
“The most negative view of e-cigarettes were held by
smokers who have never used one previously. Specifically,
60.8% of smokers who had never used an e-cigarette
felt that e-cigarettes were less harmful than cigarettes.
“Interestingly, dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes had
more accurate perceptions. In 2016, of dual users, 91.1%
reported that e-cigarettes were less harmful than cigarettes,
something which was also found when looking at 2015 data.”
Commenting on the report’s findings, Duncan Selbie, chief
executive of Public Health England, said: “Although e-cigarette
use increased more among young adults, smoking rates fell
fastest in this age group.
“England is leading the world in maximising the benefits from
e-cigarettes, while minimising the risks, and [these] new figures
certainly are encouraging.”
He added: “We have much to be proud of in our efforts, including
all those working in charities, the NHS and Stop Smoking
Services; and of course the sheer determination of the millions of
individuals who have overcome their addiction and quit [smoking]
for good.
“Together, we have saved millions of people
from years of disability, ill health and
premature deaths. And now an end really
is in sight. Working together we have a real
opportunity to virtually eliminate all the
harm and misery smoking has caused for far
too long.” Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England
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