Associations between the use of e-cigarettes and changes in smoking behaviour

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This page contains 1 evidence gap
  1. Associations between the use of e-cigarettes and changes in smoking behaviour
Population:
Smokers, any age, men and women
Exposure:
Self-reported current or ever use of e-cigarettes, with or without nicotine
Comparison:
No self-reported use of e-cigarettes, with or without nicotine, all through the study period
Outcomes:
Self-reported non-use, non-use for at least 30 days, increased use or decreased use of combustible tobacco products at follow up

What evidence is needed?

More primary research is needed.

  • There are studies investigating the association between the use of e-cigarettes and changes in smoking behaviour (measured as increase, decrease or quitting). However, the results are heterogenous.
  • There is a lack of Swedish studies on e-cigarettes, and few studies have been carried out in the Nordic countries. Behaviours are formed by ethical and moral values and therefore studies conducted in a context similar to the one in Sweden are needed to obtain results transferable to Swedish conditions.
  • The development and implementation of validated instruments aimed to assess those at risk for future use of tobacco, could also make it possible to obtain analysis of associations in groups with different risks and risk behaviours.
  • More standardised definitions of both exposures and outcomes are needed to increase the benefits of future research in this field. Furthermore, there is also a need for studies collecting and reporting data regarding the levels of exposures and outcomes, since it would increase the possibilities to investigate associations between different degrees of exposures and outcomes. Regarding the outcomes increased and decreased tobacco use, the ways the outcomes are measured vary a lot. This limits the possibilities to investigate changes in smoking behaviour, which becomes noticeable since there are few studies investigating outcome measures regarding frequency or dose.
  • A comprehensive description of the analytical approach is of interest, especially regarding selection of studied population, choice of confounders and management of dropouts.

More about the review Association between the use of snus (moist tobacco) or electronic cigarettes and tobacco smoking

What evidence is available?

Reliable systematic reviews that show evidence gaps:

SBU. Samband mellan snus, e-cigaretter och tobaksrökning: en systematisk översikt. Stockholm: Statens beredning för medicinsk och social utvärdering (SBU); 2020. SBU Bereder 312. More about the review Association between the use of snus (moist tobacco) or electronic cigarettes and tobacco smoking

Reliable, but not updated, systematic reviews that show evidence gaps:

None identified

Registration number:
Published:
Research conducted after publication could potentially change the nature of the evidence.
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Evidence gap identifies methods or practices for which no conclusive systematic review of benefits and harms has been published. Gaps in scientific evidence appear on the SBU website to help researchers and granting agencies identify areas that are in need of research or systematic review. An additional objective is to offer healthcare and social service providers a basis for setting priorities.