Conducting an In-Depth E-Cigarette Survey: Analyzing Smoking and Vaping Behaviors in Ireland

The growing trend of smokers switching from traditional tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes is a significant public health development, especially considering the evidence that e-cigarettes are up to 95% less harmful than their tobacco counterparts. A recent survey conducted by www.electronic-cigarette.ie examined the smoking and vaping behaviors of 634 people in Ireland, aged 18 to 65. The survey provided valuable insights into smoking cessation, vaping preferences, and the general perceptions of e-cigarettes among Irish adults.

Key Survey Findings

1. Satisfaction with E-Cigarettes

• 86% of vapers expressed satisfaction with e-cigarettes, with 55% being "satisfied" and 31% being "very satisfied." This high satisfaction rate highlights the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in meeting users’ needs, such as mimicking the habitual smoking experience and offering control over nicotine intake.

2. E-Cigarettes as a Smoking Cessation Aid

• 41% of smokers who have successfully quit or reduced smoking reported that they used e-cigarettes as their main aid to quit, making it the most popular choice over other nicotine replacement therapies like patches, lozenges, or gum.
• 65% of participants had tried to quit smoking at some point, and 67% made a resolution to quit smoking in the past year. Among those looking to quit, 70% preferred e-cigarettes as their method of choice.
• Studies by Prof. Peter Hajek (2019) and Katie Myers Smith (2021) support these findings, showing that e-cigarettes are often a more effective tool for quitting smoking compared to other nicotine substitutes due to their similarity to traditional smoking habits.

3. Motivations for Switching to Vaping

• The top reasons for switching to e-cigarettes include:
  • Habit: 62% of respondents cited habit as a major reason for continuing to smoke traditional cigarettes.
  • Nicotine’s Calming Effect: 52% stated that nicotine helped reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Flavor Variety: 39% of vapers are drawn to the wide range of e-liquid flavors available.
  • Social Interaction: 17% mentioned social reasons, such as smoking breaks with colleagues, as a key factor in their smoking habits.
• These motivations align with the satisfaction rates, where e-cigarettes provide a similar experience to smoking but without the harmful combustion or lingering odor of tobacco.

4. Health Perceptions and Benefits of Vaping

• E-cigarettes are considered a significantly less harmful alternative to tobacco, with studies from Public Health England showing a 95% reduction in harm compared to traditional cigarettes.
• E-cigarettes also eliminate the issue of sidestream smoke, which is harmful to bystanders in traditional smoking. The vapor released by e-cigarettes is only produced when inhaled or activated, making it less of a concern for third-party exposure.

5. E-Cigarette Usage in Ireland

• 51% of the participants in the survey had experience with e-cigarettes.
• 86% of respondents reported that health awareness had increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing their decision to either quit smoking or switch to e-cigarettes.
• A third of vapers (33%) mentioned they started vaping out of curiosity or interest in the technology.

6. Nicotine Strength Preferences

• The most popular nicotine strengths among vapers were:
  • 45% preferred a nicotine strength of up to 3 mg/mL.
  • 21% chose a nicotine range between 6 to 11 mg/mL.
  • 14% preferred 4 to 5 mg/mL.
  • 9% abstained from nicotine altogether.
  • Only 3% opted for nicotine strengths of 18 mg/mL or higher.
• This distribution reflects a shift toward lower nicotine usage as many vapers use e-cigarettes as a means to gradually reduce nicotine dependence.

7. Monthly Spending on Vaping

• 61% of vapers spent up to €24 per month on vaping products.
• 28% spent between €25 and €49, while only 11% spent €50 or more.
• This indicates that vaping remains an affordable alternative for many users compared to the ongoing cost of purchasing traditional cigarettes.

Demographic Breakdown of Survey Participants

• The survey included 634 respondents from across Ireland.
• The largest group of participants were aged 55-64 (24% of respondents), while 17% were under 24 years old.
• 55% of participants were male, with 45% female respondents, and 2% identified with other gender categories.
• Most respondents came from Co. Dublin, Co. Cork, and Co. Limerick, reflecting a broad regional interest.

Conclusion

This survey offers a clear picture of vaping and smoking behaviors in Ireland, showing that e-cigarettes are increasingly popular as a tool for quitting smoking. The findings underscore the satisfaction vapers feel with their devices, as well as the rising health awareness, especially post-pandemic. As e-cigarettes continue to be regarded as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco, they present a promising option for smokers looking to quit, with many individuals choosing to reduce their nicotine intake gradually. This insight is valuable for policymakers, health professionals, and those in the vaping industry as they navigate the future of smoking cessation and harm reduction strategies in Ireland.