Author(s): Hajek P, Corbin L, Ladmore D and Spearing E
Rationale: E-cigarettes (EC) are increasingly popular among smokers who want to limit the risks smoking poses to their health. There is some evidence that they facilitate long-term smoking cessation and are safe to use over short to mid-term. UK stop-smoking service (SSS) which provides free medications and support to smokers seeking help is currently seeing a reduction in the number of clients as rather than attending stop-smoking clinics, smokers prefer to use EC. Stop smoking medications are more effective when used with motivational support than when used unsupported. If SSS included EC in their treatment options, this could improve EC efficacy and enhance SSS reach.
Setting: We piloted the inclusion of free EC with 4-week supply of refills in routine SSS treatment offered to smokers living or working in the City of London. Census was taken after 100 smokers were offered EC.
Results: The total of 69 (69%) of smokers accepted EC and 45 (65%) of this group achieved biochemically validated abstinence at 4 weeks. Of smokers not accepting the offer of EC, 14 (45%) were validated abstainers at 4 weeks (Χ2 =3.53, p =.06). All successful quitters in the EC group reported using EC on most days throughout their quit attempt. Among this group, 31 (45%) smokers did not use or stopped using other stop-smoking medications. Client feedback was highly positive. Among smokers who accepted EC and achieved abstinence, all used EC at the end of treatment. Smokers using varenicline plus EC had a higher success rate (85%) than smokers using EC only (54%; X2=4.99, p=0.03).
Conclusion: Offering EC as an addition to the standard stop-smoking service may increase service appeal, costeffectiveness, and efficacy.
