An observational study of the use and knowledge about e-cigarettes in young Greek adults

Introduction: E-cigarettes (ECs) are devices that are marketed for tobacco replacement and smoking cessation. ECs safety has not been scientifically demonstrated yet. Consumers often believe that the use of ECs is safer than smoking tobacco. Aims and Objectives: To investigate the knowledge about ECs safety and use as a method of smoking reduction or cessation in a population of young Greek adults. Methods: A questionnaire about smoking behavior, knowledge about the safety, the use as smoking cessation tool and the satisfaction of the use of ECs was completed by 250 Greek university students. Mean age: 26.81 (±8.45) years old, males/females: 115/135 (46%/54%), current/previous/never smokers: 95/31/124 (38%/12.4%/49.6%), ever quit smoking yes/no: 95/31 (38%/12.4%), ever use e-cigarette yes/no 41/209 (16.4%/83.6%). Results: The success rate of smoking cessation with the use of e-cigarette was 37.5%, whereas with any other method was 31.65% (P = 0,771). The usage of conventional cigarettes was not significantly reduced with ECs (OR = 0,89, 95% CI 0,75 – 1,06, P = 0,193). The mean number of conventional cigarettes smoked with the use of e-cigarette was reduced by 3.3 per day (±9.8). ECs dangers were known to 46.3% of ECs users and only to 9.1%of non-users. More than 50% of the participants did not express clear opinion whether ECs were safe or safer or less expensive than conventional cigarettes. Conclusion: ECs use did not significantly reduce the use of conventional tobacco products. The degree of knowledge about ECs was low among this population of Greek university students.