Many young people who’ve never vaped may be susceptible to starting, study suggests

Almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of people aged 15-30 in the UK who have never used e-cigarettes may be susceptible to taking up vaping in the future, according to results of an international survey. The research findings were published on June 13, 2023, in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

Results from an online survey of 4,007 people internationally identified exposure to e-cigarette advertising as having the second greatest effect on susceptibility, after current or past tobacco use, while perceived harmfulness reduced the likelihood of susceptibility.

Professor Simone Pettigrew, lead author and program director of health promotion and behaviour change at The George Institute, said, “These findings suggest that an overwhelming number of young people may be at risk of e-cigarette use in the UK and in other countries. While some types of promotion of these products are prohibited, advertising on posters, billboards, and buses is still prevalent in the UK. A complete ban on e-cigarette advertising should be considered, as it is clearly influencing young people’s attitudes towards these addictive and potentially harmful products.”