Electronic cigarette use in New South Wales, Australia: reasons for use, place of purchase and use in enclosed and outdoor places

• Main Authors: Laura Twyman, Christina Watts, Kathy Chapman, Scott C. Walsberger
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2018-10-01
• Series: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
• Subjects: electronic cigarettes; e‐cigarettes; electronic nicotine devices; ENDS; tobacco use; smoking cessation
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12822
• ISSN: 1326-0200; 1753-6405

Abstract Objective: To monitor patterns of use of e‐cigarettes to understand their potential impact on the New South Wales (NSW) population in Australia. Methods: A cross‐sectional online survey was carried out with a sample of adults in NSW in February 2016. Ever and past 30‐day use of e‐cigarettes, reasons for use, place of purchase and use within outdoor and enclosed public places were assessed along with sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Ever and past 30‐day use was reported by 13% and 4% of the sample, respectively. More than one‐third of participants did not purchase their own e‐cigarette (36.3%). The most frequently reported reason for using an e‐cigarette for smokers and ex‐smokers was to help quit smoking (45.3% and 44.7%, respectively) while for non‐smokers it was novelty (40%). E‐cigarettes were most commonly used at home (59.4%), in outdoor dining areas (36.8%) and in the workplace (27.8%). Conclusions: E‐cigarettes are being used by a small percentage of the NSW population. Reasons for e‐cigarette use varied with smoking status. Different sociodemographic characteristics were associated with ever and past 30‐day use of e‐cigarettes. E‐cigarettes are being used in areas that are covered by smoke‐free legislation. Implications for public health: Given e‐cigarettes are being used in smoke‐free areas, policy‐makers could take a precautionary approach by including e‐cigarette use under smoke‐free legislation.