Socio-demographic differences in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems in the European Union
Menée à partir des données 2012 d'une enquête de la commission européenne portant sur 25 922 participants âgés de 15 ans ou plus, cette étude évalue l'utilisation de la cigarette électronique comme aide au sevrage tabagique puis identifie les facteurs socio-démographiques associés
Introduction : Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are rapidly increasing in popularity. However, little is known about socio-demographic differences in use of ENDS. This study aims to assess the socio-demographic characteristics associated with ENDS ever-use and use as a cessation tool in the European Union. Methods : We analyzed data from the 2012 Eurobarometer wave 77.1, with 25,922 respondents aged 15 years or above from all 27 member states. We estimated the prevalence of ever-use and use as a cessation tool, and performed binary logistic regression to analyze associations with socio-demographic characteristics. Results : Overall, 7.2% reported having ever used ENDS. Of all smokers who ever tried to quit, 7.0% used ENDS. Ever-use was inversely associated with being older than 34 years (OR 0.63, 95%CI 0.51 – 0.76 for 35-44 years, and OR 0.34, 95%CI 0.25 – 0.46 for 65+ years), and positively associated with being higher educated (OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.22 – 1.84) or a student (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.77 – 3.08). ENDS were more often used to quit smoking by students (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.10 – 3.82), and were less likely to be used by those aged 65 or older (OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.15 – 0.61). No significant differences were found according to sex, social class, marital status or type of community. Conclusions : In 2012, ever-use of ENDS was low in the European population in general. However, younger people or those with a high education used ENDS more frequently. These results indicate a need for more appropriate product information targeted at these groups.