[Use of E‑cigarettes as an additional tool in a smoking cessation group intervention : Results after 12 months]

E-cigarettes are considerably safer regarding health issues than conventional cigarettes, but there is uncertainty concerning its use for smoking cessation.

How and to what extent are E‑cigarettes used by smokers willing to quit? Are E‑cigarettes a useful intervention for smokers attending a group intervention for smoking cessation?

One year after attending a group intervention for smoking cessation in Germany, 637 attendants were assessed by telephone. The interview topics were the use of E‑cigarettes and tobacco abstinence.

Of the attendants that could be interviewed, 12.6% had used E‑cigarettes during or after the smoking cessation intervention. At the beginning of the intervention these smokers smoked significantly more cigarettes and were more addicted to cigarettes than the other attendants. After one year significantly less E‑cigarette users were abstinent compared to participants that used nicotine replacement therapy or no additional smoking cessation aids.

The application of E‑cigarettes is counterproductive for smokers looking for help in an abstinence oriented smoking cessation group. The lack of distinct, easy to follow instructions on the use of E‑cigarettes as a cessation tool may impair the process of cessation. Without good guidance smokers may get distracted in their motivation and willingness to stop smoking.