scholarly journals The Role of Novel (Tobacco) Products on Tobacco Control in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvano Gallus ◽  
Elisa Borroni ◽  
Anna Odone ◽  
Piet A. van den Brandt ◽  
Giuseppe Gorini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
First Time ◽  
Novel Products

In Italy, electronic cigarettes have spread since 2010 and heated tobacco products (HTP) since 2016. We investigated their public health consequences on conventional cigarette smoking, taking advantage of a series of cross-sectional studies annually conducted between 2001 and 2019 in Italy. Every year, the sample, including around 3000 individuals, was representative of the general Italian population aged ≥15 years. In Italy, smoking prevalence steadily declined from 29.1% in 2001 to 20.6% in 2013, then increased to 22.0% in 2019. In 2017–2019, current electronic cigarette users were 2.1% and in 2019 current HTP users were 1.1%. Among 498 ever electronic cigarette users, 23.2% started or re-started smoking and 15.7% quit smoking after electronic cigarette use; of 49 ever HTP users, 19.1% started or re-started smoking combusted cigarettes and 14.6% quit smoking after HTP use. The availability of novel products in Italy resulted in a halt of the decreasing trend in smoking prevalence. For the first time, we observed an increase of Italians inhaling nicotine, concurrently with the spread of novel (tobacco) products. More importantly, the use of novel products appears to increase—rather than decrease—the likelihood of smoking conventional cigarettes. Considering this evidence, we see no argument to justify the huge fiscal and regulatory benefits these products continue to have, at least in Italy.

scholarly journals Use and perceptions of electronic cigarette by the adult population in France in 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Quatremère ◽  
A Pasquereau ◽  
R Guignard ◽  
R Andler ◽  
J B Richard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Former Smokers

Abstract Background E-cigarette (EC) use is controversial because its benefit-risk ratio is still unclear. Since its introduction on the French market at the beginning of the 2010’s, French health authorities have published cautious recommendations. The study aims at describing uses and perceptions about EC among the adult population. Methods Santé Publique France’s Health Barometer, the French national public health agency, is a cross-sectional random survey conducted annually by phone, on a representative sample of the population aged 18-75 y/o in Mainland France. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were performed to analyze data collected from the 25,319 respondents of the 2017 edition. Results In 2017 in Mainland France, 3.8% of the population used an EC, 2.7% on a daily basis. Among EC daily users, 60.4% were men, 57.9% had a bachelor degree or higher qualifications. Less than 1% of EC users were never-smokers, 50.3% were daily or occasional smokers, 49.5% were former smokers. The number of daily ex-smokers who did quit smoking ( > = 6 months) and believed that vaping has helped them to, was estimated to be 700,000 since EC has been available in France. EC was perceived as equally or more harmful than regular cigarette by half of the population (51.5%), a proportion that has increased since 2014 (43.4%). Daily smokers perceived EC as more harmful, while being an EC user from high socioeconomic status was associated with the perception that EC is less harmful. The bans on EC in places where smoking is prohibited and on sales of EC to minors (<18 y/o) were appreciated by 66.9% and 77.5%, respectively. Conclusions These results show that in France, EC is strongly related to current or past smoking habits. A significant number of ex-smokers believe that EC has helped them quit smoking. Sociodemographic differences in the perception of EC harmfulness suggest social inequalities in access to information. Key messages Electronic cigarette users in France are few and most of them are smokers or former smokers. The perception of electronic cigarettes harmfulness depends on sociodemographic and smoking status.

scholarly journals Awareness and use of heated tobacco products among adult smokers in six European countries: findings from the EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii78-iii83
Author(s):  
Lucia Maria Lotrean ◽  
Antigona Trofor ◽  
Cornel Radu-Loghin ◽  
Marius Eremia ◽  
Florin Mihaltan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cigarette Smokers ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Weighted Data ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Background The study assessed awareness and use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and factors that influenced these issues among cigarette smokers from six European countries in 2016 (Wave 1) and 2018 (Wave 2). Methods A survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of cigarette smokers aged 18 years or older from Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Spain in 2016 (N = 6011) and 2018 (N = 6027; 53% of smokers from the previous wave were retained, regardless of smoking status and dropouts were replaced by a replenishment sample of smokers). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Estimates were produced using weighted data. The study presents the cross-sectional results. Results Awareness of HTPs increased from 8% to 17% between the two waves. At Wave 1, 1.1% of the smokers declared having used HTPs at least once during their lifetime; and at Wave 2, this increased to 1.9% (around 1% or less in four countries, except for Greece and Romania where it was around 4%). Factors associated with HTPs use among those who had ever heard about these products at Wave 1 were country of residence, being a daily cigarette smoker and ever use of electronic cigarettes. At Wave 2, ever use of HTPs was significantly higher among those who had tried to quit smoking combustible cigarettes in the last 12 months, had tried electronic cigarettes during lifetime and perceived HTPs as less dangerous than combustible cigarettes; the country of residence was also associated with HTPs use. Conclusion This study offers insights into the behaviours and perceptions of European adult smokers regarding HTPs, an important emerging issue in the field of tobacco control.

Psychological Resilience Provides No Independent Protection From Suicidal Risk

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danica W. Y. Liu ◽  
A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt ◽  
Richard Burns ◽  
Rachel M. Roberts ◽  
Kaarin J. Anstey
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Psychological Resilience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Life Project ◽  
Resilience Factors ◽  
First Time

Abstract. Background: Little is known about the role of resilience in the likelihood of suicidal ideation (SI) over time. Aims: We examined the association between resilience and SI in a young-adult cohort over 4 years. Our objectives were to determine whether resilience was associated with SI at follow-up or, conversely, whether SI was associated with lowered resilience at follow-up. Method: Participants were selected from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project from Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australia, aged 28–32 years at the first time point and 32–36 at the second. Multinomial, linear, and binary regression analyses explored the association between resilience and SI over two time points. Models were adjusted for suicidality risk factors. Results: While unadjusted analyses identified associations between resilience and SI, these effects were fully explained by the inclusion of other suicidality risk factors. Conclusion: Despite strong cross-sectional associations, resilience and SI appear to be unrelated in a longitudinal context, once risk/resilience factors are controlled for. As independent indicators of psychological well-being, suicidality and resilience are essential if current status is to be captured. However, the addition of other factors (e.g., support, mastery) makes this association tenuous. Consequently, resilience per se may not be protective of SI.

Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Harm From Specific Tobacco Products: Findings From the H.I.N.T. Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110261
Author(s):  
Wenxue Lin ◽  
Joshua E. Muscat
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cigarette Smokers ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Single Item ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
National Trends ◽  
Medical Recommendations

Purpose: Determine whether dual tobacco users have different levels of knowledge about nicotine addiction, perceived harm beliefs of low nicotine cigarettes (LNCs) and beliefs about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) Design: Quantitative, Cross-sectional Setting: Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (Cycle 3, 2019) Participants: Nationally representative adult non-smokers (n=3113), exclusive cigarette smokers (n=302), and dual (cigarette and e-cigarette) users (n=77). Measures: The survey included single item measures on whether nicotine causes addiction and whether nicotine causes cancer. A five-point Likert scale assessed comparative harm of e-cigarettes and LNCs relative to conventional combustible cigarettes (1=much more harmful, 3=equally harmful…5 = much less harmful, or don’t know). Analysis: We used weighted multiple linear regression model to estimate means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of e-cigarettes and LNCs beliefs by current tobacco user status. Results: Over 97% of dual users, 83% of non-smokers and 86% of exclusive cigarette smokers correctly identified that nicotine is addictive. The majority of subjects incorrectly identified nicotine as a cause of cancer, with dual users having the lowest proportion of incorrect responses (60%). Dual users rated e-cigarette harmfulness as less harmful than combustibles (mean=2.20; 95% CI=1.73, 2.66) while exclusive cigarette smokers and non-smokers rated them as similarly harmful. LNCs were considered equally harmful and addictive as conventional cigarettes. Conclusion: Dual users had a higher knowledge base of tobacco-related health effects. The effectiveness of policies or medical recommendations to encourage smokers to switch from cigarettes to LNCs or e-cigarettes will need to consider accurate and inaccurate misperceptions about the harm and addictiveness of nicotine. Improved public health messages about different tobacco products are needed.

scholarly journals Beliefs Toward Smoking and COVID-19, and The Pandemic Impact on Smoking Behavior and Quit Intention: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Muna Barakat ◽  
Doa’a B. Al-Tamimi ◽  
Sami A. Alhallaq ◽  
Dima M. Al Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quit Attempt ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Never Smokers

Background: The relationship between smoking and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people’s beliefs towards smoking as well as smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess the following points in a community-based sample from Jordan: (i) the beliefs that surround smoking and COVID-19, (ii) the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan utilizing an online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CC), waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (EC), and 12 items to assess the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention. Results: Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our study there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217 ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD:11.06). Most participants have shown anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, 71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course, while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively, and many smokers reported their willingness to quit smoking due to the pandemic. Besides, 459 current smokers have expressed their plans/intention to quit smoking during the pandemic, of whom 27.5% (n=126) confirmed that the driving force for their decision is a COVID-19 related reason, such as self-protection (n=123) and protection of family members (=121) which were the most reported ones. Also, around 63 participants have successfully ceased smoking during the pandemic. However, only 22 of them reported that the main driving motivation of their successful quit attempt was the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Most participants reported anti-smoking beliefs and attitudes during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in the country.

scholarly journals Differential Activation of Fetal Hofbauer Cells in Primigravidas Is Associated with Decreased Birth Weight in Symptomatic Placental Malaria

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Gaw ◽  
Bethann S. Hromatka ◽  
Sadiki Ngeleza ◽  
Sirirak Buarpung ◽  
Nida Ozarslan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Placental Malaria ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Macrophage Response ◽  
Hofbauer Cells ◽  
Infant Birth ◽  
First Time

Background. Placental malaria is a leading global cause of low birth weight neonates, especially in first-time mothers. To better understand the role of innate immunity in placental malaria, we investigated the relationships between histopathological markers of placental malaria, fetal and maternal macrophage responses, and perinatal outcomes in a cross-sectional case control study of pregnant women presenting with symptomatic malaria at the time of delivery. Results. Primigravidas showed increased hemozoin deposition in placental villi (p=0.02), syncytiotrophoblasts (p=0.01), and fetal Hofbauer cells (p=0.01). The percentage of hemozoin-positive villi negatively correlated with infant birth weight (regression coefficient [b] = -0.03 kg decrease in birth weight per % increase in hemozoin-positive villi, p=0.035). Malaria-infected placentas showed a twofold increase in Hofbauer cells (p<0.001) and maternal macrophages (p<0.001). Placental malaria was associated with a threefold increase in the percentage of M2 maternal macrophages (19.2% vs 6.4%, p=0.01). Primigravidas showed a significant decrease in the Hofbauer cell M2-percentage in placental malaria (92.7% vs. 97.0%, p=0.04), which was predictive of infant birth weight (b=0.08 kg increase in birth weight per % increase in M2 Hofbauer cells, p=0.001). There was no association between maternal macrophage response and infant birth weights. Conclusions. Placentas with malarial infection had increased numbers of fetal Hofbauer cells in the villous stroma and maternal macrophages in the intervillous space. In primigravidas, decreased anti-inflammatory M2-type Hofbauer cells were predictive of lower birth weight. M2-type maternal macrophages were increased in placental malaria, but there was no association with gravidity or birth weight. These results suggested a protective role of M2 Hofbauer cells in fetal growth restriction.

scholarly journals Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Potential of Compounds Associated with Electronic Cigarettes: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Isaac Armendáriz-Castillo ◽  
Santiago Guerrero ◽  
Antonella Vera-Guapi ◽  
Tiffany Cevallos-Vilatuña ◽  
Jennyfer M. García-Cárdenas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Carcinogenic Potential ◽  
Chemical Abstracts Service ◽  
First Time

Background. Many studies, comparing the health associated risks of electronic cigarettes with conventional cigarettes focus mainly on the common chemical compounds found between them. Aim. Review chemical compounds found exclusively in electronic cigarettes and describe their toxic effects, focusing on electronic-cigarette-only and dual electronic-cigarette and conventional cigarette users. Data Sources. Literature search was carried out using PubMed. Study Eligibility Criteria. Articles related exclusively to conventional and electronic cigarettes’ chemical composition. Articles which reported to be financed from tobacco or electronic cigarettes industries, not reporting source of funding, not related to the chemical composition of electronic and conventional cigarettes and not relevant to tobacco research were excluded. Methods and Results. Chemical compounds reported in the selected studies were tabulated using the Chemical Abstracts Service registry number for chemical substances information. A total of 50 chemical compounds were exclusively reported to be present in electronic cigarettes. Crucial health risks identified were: eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, with almost 50% of incidence, an increment of 10% in cytotoxic effects, when compared to compounds in common with conventional cigarettes and around 11% of compounds with unknown effects to human health. Limitations. Articles reporting conflicts of interest. Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings. Despite being considered as less harmful for human health, compounds found in electronic cigarettes are still a matter of research and their effects on health are yet unknown. The use of these devices is not recommended for first time users and it is considered hazardous for dual users.

scholarly journals Reasons for Regularly Using Heated Tobacco Products among Adult Current and Former Smokers in Japan: Finding from 2018 ITC Japan Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve S. Xu ◽  
Gang Meng ◽  
Mi Yan ◽  
Shannon Gravely ◽  
Anne C. K. Quah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reduction Potential ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Social Acceptability ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Market Growth ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Former Smokers

The market growth of heated tobacco products (HTPs), such as IQOS, Ploom TECH, and glo, has increased dramatically in Japan since 2016. Little is known about the reasons why current and former smokers are using HTPs. The data for this cross-sectional study were from the 2018 (Wave 1) International Tobacco Control (ITC) Japan Survey, a national web-based survey of 4500 people, including 658 current HTP users, of whom 549 were concurrently smoking cigarettes and 109 were former smokers. The most common reasons for regularly using HTPs were: beliefs that HTP are less harmful than cigarettes to themselves (90.6%) or to others (86.7%), enjoyment (76.5%), and social acceptability (74.4%). About half of current smokers (55.1%) reported using HTPs because these products might help them quit smoking. However, a near-equal percentage (52.0%) of current smokers reported using HTPs to replace some of the cigarettes they smoked so that they did not have to give up smoking altogether. If smokers are using HTPs to complement rather than quit their smoking, then the harm reduction potential of HTPs suggested by the toxicity studies will be diminished.

scholarly journals Uptake and Perceptions of E-cigarette use in Vascular Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87
Author(s):  
Rachael Taylor ◽  
David Sidloff ◽  
Robert D. Sayers ◽  
Matthew J. Bown ◽  
Athanasios Saratzis
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Initial Interviews

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular. However, little is known regarding their patterns of use in patients with established CVD.Aims: We aimed to assess the perceptions and patterns of use of e-cigarettes in patients presenting to a vascular clinic.Methods: We performed a qualitative study to identify perceptions and beliefs about e-cigarettes. Semi-structured interviews of consecutive patients consenting to participate were performed over five-months. Individuals were recruited from a vascular surgery outpatient clinic. Initial interviews were based on a questionnaire. Further structured interviews were conducted with patients currently using e-cigarettes, which were transcribed and analysed to assess perceptions and patterns of use.Results/Findings: Four overarching themes emerged: attraction to e-cigarettes as a harm reduction/smoking cessation strategy; uncertainty regarding the risks of e-cigarettes; use of various types of smoking cessation strategies; dual use and often complete relapse to tobacco products.Conclusions: Patients with established CVD view e-cigarettes as a means of smoking cessation; however, many relapse to tobacco products or use both simultaneously. Further research is necessary regarding the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation in this high-risk group.

Nicotine and Cotinine Levels With Electronic Cigarette

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Marsot ◽  
N. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Peak Concentration ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Tobacco Cigarette ◽  
Nicotine Delivery ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Urge To Smoke ◽  
Reasons For Use

Background: Since their introduction in 2004, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity worldwide. E-cigarettes are marketed as nicotine delivery devices. Commonly reported reasons for use include to quit smoking, to reduce urge to smoke, or the perceived lower risk alternative to smoking. But what are the actual amounts of nicotine delivered? Aim: This review summarizes all the published studies concerning nicotine or cotinine levels following e-cigarette use. Methods: A literature search was conducted from the PubMed database, from 1985 to January 2014, using the following terms: electronic cigarette(s), e-cigarette(s), electronic nicotine delivery system, cotinine, and nicotine. Articles were excluded if they were not pertinent according to our criteria. References of all relevant articles were also evaluated. Results: Eight studies were included in this review. The following information was extracted from the articles: population size, age of participants, recruitment, inclusion and exclusion criteria, concentration of nicotine in refills liquids, study sample design, and observed concentrations. Following design of studies, plasma nicotine Cmax was observed between 0 and 5 ng/mL (no significant changes) or between 13.9 and 16.3 ng/mL (similar to a tobacco cigarette) with a Tmax between 70 and 75 minutes. Cotinine levels after “vaping” an e-cigarette are similar to a tobacco cigarette. Conclusion: This review summarizes e-cigarette studies that contain information on nicotine or cotinine levels. The peak concentration of nicotine appears to be dependent on the use and dose level of e-cigarette cartridge. The value of this peak concentration is similar to the value found with a tobacco cigarette. However, the time corresponding to the peak concentration is delayed compared to a tobacco cigarette.

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