Trends in use of e-cigarette device types and heated tobacco products from 2016 to 2020 in England

Sci Rep. 2021 Jun 24;11(1):13203. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-92617-x.

Abstract

This study examined use trends of e-cigarette devices types, heated tobacco products (HTPs) and e-liquid nicotine concentrations in England from 2016 to 2020. Data were from a representative repeat cross-sectional survey of adults aged 16 or older. Bayesian logistic regression was used to estimate proportions and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Of 75,355 participants, 5.3% (weighted = 5.5%) were currently using e-cigarettes or HTPs, with the majority (98.7%) using e-cigarettes. Among e-cigarette users, 53.7% (CrI 52.0-55.1%) used tank devices, 23.7% (22.4-25.1%) mods, 17.3% (16.1-18.4%) pods, and 5.4% (4.7-6.2%) disposables. Tanks were the most widely used device type throughout 2016-2020. Mods were second until 2020, when pods overtook them. Among all e-cigarette/HTP users, prevalence of HTP use remains rare (3.4% in 2016 versus 4.2% in 2020), whereas JUUL use has risen from 3.4% in 2018 to 11.8% in 2020. Across all years, nicotine concentrations of ≤ 6 mg/ml were most widely (41.0%; 39.4-42.4%) and ≥ 20 mg/ml least widely used (4.1%; 3.4-4.9%). Among e-cigarette/HTP users, ex-smokers were more likely than current smokers to use mod and tank e-cigarettes, but less likely to use pods, disposables, JUUL and HTPs. In conclusion, despite growing popularity of pods and HTPs worldwide, refillable tank e-cigarettes remain the most widely used device type in England.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • England
  • Female
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nicotiana
  • Nicotine / administration & dosage
  • Smokers / statistics & numerical data
  • Tobacco Products / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Nicotine