A recent population-based study has revealed significant trends in long-term vaping among adults in England over the past decade. This study, which analysed survey data from 179,725 adults between October 2013 and October 2023, provides a comprehensive overview of the prevalence, frequency, and types of vaping devices used.

Increase in Long-Term Vaping

The proportion of adults reporting long-term vaping increased non-linearly from 1.3% in October 2013 to 10.0% in October 2023. This growth was particularly pronounced from 2021 onwards. The study also noted a marked rise in long-term daily vaping, which increased from 0.6% to 6.7% over the same period.

Demographic Breakdown

History of Smoking

The increase in long-term vaping was more substantial among individuals with a history of regular smoking:

• Current smokers: From 4.8% to 23.1%
• Recent former smokers: From 5.7% to 36.1%
• Long-term former smokers: From 1.4% to 16.2%

Even among those who had never regularly smoked, there was an increase from 0.1% to 3.0%.

Age Distribution

Growth in long-term vaping was especially notable among young adults:

• Among 18-year-olds, the prevalence reached 22.7%, including 16.1% who had never regularly smoked.
• Among 65-year-olds, the prevalence was significantly lower at 4.3%, with only 0.3% having never regularly smoked.

Types of Vaping Devices

Between October 2013 and March 2021, most long-term vapers primarily or exclusively used refillable electronic cigarettes. However, from 2021 onwards, there was a rapid increase in the use of disposable devices. By October 2023:

• 4.9% of adults mainly or exclusively used disposable devices
• 4.6% mainly or exclusively used refillable devices

Conclusion

The study highlights a substantial increase in the prevalence of long-term vaping among adults in England from 2013 to 2023. This rise coincided with the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, particularly from 2021 onwards. The growth was concentrated among individuals with a history of regular smoking but also occurred among those who had never regularly smoked, especially young adults.

Source: BMJ