Germany Youth E-Cigarette Use Rises, Study Reveals Concerns

A new study on smoking behavior, published in the international journal Addiction on November 4, 2024, by researchers from the University Hospital Düsseldorf, reveals that e-cigarette use in Germany is on the rise, particularly among young people. The study also found that the number of people who smoke traditional cigarettes remains high.

The study, led by Prof. Dr. Daniel Kotz, analyzed data from the “German Survey on Smoking Behavior,” which interviewed 92,327 men and women aged 14 and above between 2016 and 2023. The researchers focused on the preferred e-cigarette models – disposable, pod, or tank – and how their use has changed over the years.

E-Cigarette Use Increases by 38%, Traditional Cigarette Smoking Remains High

The study found that e-cigarette use in the German population increased by about 38% from 2016 to 2023, with 2.2% of the population currently using e-cigarettes. During the same period, the proportion of people who smoke traditional cigarettes remained high at around 30%.

Disposable E-Cigarettes Gain Popularity, Particularly Among Young Women

The researchers discovered that since early 2022, the use of disposable e-cigarettes has increased significantly, becoming the most commonly used e-cigarettes in Germany. Dr. Stephanie Klosterhalfen, a researcher at the Institute of General Practice and the Centre for Health and Society at Heinrich Heine University, expressed concern about this trend, stating that disposable e-cigarettes are particularly popular among young people due to their wide variety of flavors and colorful designs.

According to the survey results, people who use disposable e-cigarettes are, on average, about four years younger than those who use tank or pod models. They are also more likely to be female and combine e-cigarettes with smoking traditional cigarettes. “Young people are particularly at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine and are in danger of falling ill from the consequences of using e-cigarettes and tobacco,” explains study leader Kotz.

Researchers Call for Stronger Control of Nicotine and Tobacco Products

Based on the study results, the researchers conclude that legal measures to protect the population from the health risks of nicotine and tobacco products are less well implemented in Germany than in other European countries. They believe that to protect children and adolescents, the products must be taxed significantly higher, their availability and visibility must be severely restricted, and smoke-free environments must be created.

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Studie: Konsum von E-Zigaretten nimmt zu

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.