Prevalence of Use and Perceptions of Electronic Smoking Devices in a US Army Infantry Division

The increasing interest in electronic smoking devices (ESDs) among consumers shows promise for ESDs as a less harmful alternative for smoking and possibly for smoking cessation. Limited data on prevalence of ESD use in the military are available and data on perceptions of ESD use have not yet been published within an active duty, military-specific population. The primary outcome of this study was to define the prevalence of ESD use in a US Army division.

We surveyed 1,288 military service members (response rate 95%, n = 1,225) from the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI, in late 2015, on smoking habits, ESD usage, and perceptions surrounding ESDs. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess categorical associations between smoking status, ESD usage, socio-demographic factors, cessation strategies, and perceptions regarding ESDs.

The prevalence of current ESD use was 20%, whereas the prevalence of having ever used an ESD was 61%. The daily smoking rate of participants was 23%. Those with lower education, current smokers, and ex-smokers were the most likely to be using an ESD. Current smokers and ESD users had a more favorable perception of ESDs with regard to their utility and health effectiveness.

There is a high prevalence of current and ever use ESD among active duty service members assigned to a US Army Infantry Division. Data from similar studies suggest that this rate is growing. The rates of ESD use in military populations should continue to be monitored as the clinical utility of these devices continues to be investigated.