Study Reveals Sharp Rise in Vaping Among Ex-Smokers

A recent study published in the journal BMC Medicine¹ by researchers at University College London sheds light on the growing trend of vaping among ex-smokers in England over the past decade. The study, which analyzed data from 2013 to 2024, found a significant increase in vaping prevalence, particularly among younger adults. This rise coincides with the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes and shifting social trends.

Background

Since their introduction in the U.K. in 2008, e-cigarettes have gained prominence as a smoking cessation tool. By 2014, over a quarter of attempts to quit smoking in England involved e-cigarettes. While evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, uncertainties about their long-term health effects persist.

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and patterns of vaping among ex-smokers, considering factors such as age, social factors, alcohol consumption, and vaping behaviors. The researchers also sought to understand the timing and reasons behind vaping adoption among former smokers.

Methodology

The researchers utilized data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, an ongoing nationally representative survey of adults in England. They collected data from over 54,000 participants who reported recent smoking cessation attempts or had quit smoking over a year ago.

The study assessed key outcomes, including current vaping among ex-smokers, use of e-cigarettes during quit attempts, and vaping uptake after smoking cessation. The researchers also collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, and vaping characteristics.

Findings

The study revealed a substantial increase in vaping prevalence among ex-smokers, rising from less than 2% in 2013 to 20.4% in 2024. The uptake of vaping was particularly pronounced among younger individuals, with rates as high as 58.9% in 18-year-olds compared to 10.7% in 65-year-olds.

Among those who attempted to quit smoking, e-cigarette use during quit attempts grew from 26.9% in 2013 to 41.4% by 2024. The study also found evidence of late vaping uptake among individuals who quit smoking before e-cigarettes became mainstream, increasing from 0.4% in 2013 to 3.7% in 2024.

The timing of these trends aligned with broader market shifts, such as the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes post-2021. Sociodemographic patterns suggested that individuals from less advantaged social grades and those with higher alcohol consumption were more likely to vape.

The study highlighted a shift in vaping device preferences, with increased use of disposables and high-strength nicotine products over time. Ex-smokers who vaped tended to report longer durations of smoking abstinence and sustained vaping habits.

Also Read:
England to Ban Single-Use Disposable Vapes from June 2025

Implications

While the findings suggest that e-cigarettes support smoking cessation, the researchers emphasize the need to evaluate vaping’s role in relapse prevention versus its potential risks. The rise in late uptake among long-term quitters raises concerns about unintended health consequences and the risk of relapse.

The authors call for targeted public health policies to address the diverse needs of different demographic groups and further research to clarify vaping’s impact on smoking behaviors. As the vaping landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to monitor trends and adapt strategies to promote public health and minimize potential harm.

Journal reference:

Jackson, S. E., Brown, J., Kock, L., & Shahab, L. (2024). Prevalence and uptake of vaping among people who have quit smoking: a population study in England, 20132024. BMC Medicine, 22(1), 503. DOI: 10.1186/s12916024037232, https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-024-03723-2 ↩︎

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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.