Recent Trends in Cigarette and HTP Use in Japan: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Tobacco control research
• Public health policy
• Harm reduction strategies

Background:

• Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have rapidly gained popularity in Japan.
• This presents a unique opportunity to study their potential as a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes.
• Understanding the relationship between HTP and cigarette use is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between heated tobacco product (HTP) and cigarette use in Japan.
• To analyze sales trends, prevalence, and user transitions between HTPs and cigarettes.
• To assess the impact of HTPs on overall cigarette consumption.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science.
• Studies published between 2010 and 2024 focusing on HTP and cigarette use were included.
• Data on sales trends, prevalence, and transitions were analyzed, differentiating by funding source and survey design.

Main Results:

• The review included 25 studies, with 21 reporting prevalence and transitions, and 4 on sales trends.
• Cigarette sales and use significantly declined as HTP use expanded from 2015 to 2019.
• Post-2018 data show slower HTP growth and conflicting prevalence estimates depending on survey methodology.

Conclusions:

• HTP use appears to have contributed to the decline in cigarette use in Japan from 2015-2018.
• Post-2018 trends are less clear due to slowing HTP sales and inconsistent data.
• Further research with consistent data collection is needed to definitively assess HTPs' role in tobacco harm reduction.