Effectiveness of ENDS, NRT, and medication for smoking cessation among cigarette-only users
Kaplan B, et al. Effectiveness of ENDS, NRT, and medication for smoking cessation among cigarette-only users: a longitudinal analysis of PATH Study wave 3 (2015-2016) and 4 (2016-2017), adult data. Tob Control. 2023 May;32(3):302-307. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056448. Epub 2021 Sep 15. PMID: 34526410; PMCID: PMC10176346.
No differences were found when cessation rates of ENDS, NRT, or non-NRT medication were compared. Given the uncertainty about the long-term health effects of ENDS and the likelihood of becoming dual users, people who smoke and need assistance quitting should be encouraged to use current Food and Drug Administration-approved cessation methods until more effective methods are developed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34526410/
Note: None of the smokers who used ENDS for cessation became exclusive ENDS users, and 37.6 % became dual users.
Stephen Hamann
