An evaluation of a New Zealand "vape to quit smoking" programme

To compare the use of smoking cessation aids across different ethnic groups and age groups within a large New Zealand cohort and to assess the uptake and effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation via a "vape to quit" initiative.

Retrospective analysis of Te Hā - Waitaha smoking cessation service, including a telephone interview of a subgroup, who opted into the "vape to quit" programme. The uptake of different smoking cessation aids, including the use of medications and other products, was evaluated and the self-reported quit rate in a "vape to quit" cohort was evaluated.

The final dataset analysed consisted of 1,118 participants: 66.6% NZ European; 28.1% Māori; 3.1% Pacific; and 2.2% Asian. Māori participants were younger on average and had increasing vaping use. Māori were less likely to receive varenicline to assist with smoking cessation. Vaping use increased over time in all groups. Nicotine containing e-cigarettes were the most common smoking cessation products used, with >65% of each ethnic cohort utilising these products. Of the 100 participants in the "vape to quit" cohort 16% were smokefree and vapefree, 31% were smokefree and vaping, 31% were smoking and not vaping, and 22% were smoking and vaping.

The Te Hā - Waitaha service was successful in engaging Māori in their smoking cessation programme. Nicotine containing e-cigarette products were popular in all cohorts. Nicotine containing e-cigarettes are showing potential in smoking cessation programmes in support of the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025; however, 22% of those in the "vape to quit" programme became dual users.