The study examined the evolving landscape of e-liquid nicotine strength used by adult vapers in England and Great Britain, shedding light on key trends and demographic patterns within the vaping community. The analysis, based on data from a nationally-representative household survey spanning from July 2016 to January 2024, offers valuable insights into the prevalence of high-strength e-liquids, usage patterns across different age groups, device preferences, and potential implications of proposed regulatory measures. Let’s delve into the significant findings outlined in the research:

Key Findings:

1. An exponential increase in the proportion of vapers using high-strength (≥20 mg/ml) e-liquids observed from 3.8% in June 2021 to 32.5% in January 2024.
2. Surge in high-strength e-liquid adoption among users of disposable e-cigarettes, individuals aged 18-24 years, and various smoking statuses except long-term ex-smokers.
3. Dominance of e-cigarettes containing nicotine with 89.5% of vapers in Great Britain surveyed between 2022 and 2024, while 8.7% used nicotine-free e-cigarettes.
4. Higher prevalence of ≥20 mg/ml nicotine e-liquids among disposable device users, younger age cohorts, and never smokers compared to long-term ex-smokers.
5. Exploration of potential impacts of proposed Vaping Products Duty structure aimed at discouraging high-strength e-liquid use among vapers.

Insights and Implications:

• Sharp rise in high-strength e-liquid adoption coinciding with the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes.
• Decline in lower-strength e-liquid usage, particularly ≤6 mg/mL variants.
• Increase in high-strength nicotine e-liquids across all device types, most notably among disposable device users.
• Pronounced surge in high-strength e-liquid use observed in the 18 to 24-year-old demographic.
• Concerning increase in vapers unaware of their e-liquid nicotine strength, especially among disposable and pod device users.
• Potential impact of Vaping Products Duty on young adults’ vaping habits and smoking cessation efforts through e-cigarettes.
• Implications of the duty on encouraging safer nicotine consumption practices and monitoring unintended consequences among vapers in Great Britain.

This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the shifting landscape of e-liquid nicotine strength among adult vapers in England and Great Britain, highlighting notable trends, subgroup variations, and the potential influence of regulatory interventions on vaping behaviours.

Source: Wiley Online Library