Electronic cigarette use in New South Wales, Australia: reasons for use, place of purchase and use in enclosed and outdoor places.

OBJECTIVE

To monitor patterns of use of e-cigarettes to understand their potential impact on the New South Wales (NSW) population in Australia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was carried out with a sample of adults in NSW in February 2016. Ever and past 30-day use of e-cigarettes, reasons for use, place of purchase and use within outdoor and enclosed public places were assessed along with sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Ever and past 30-day use was reported by 13% and 4% of the sample, respectively. More than one-third of participants did not purchase their own e-cigarette (36.3%). The most frequently reported reason for using an e-cigarette for smokers and ex-smokers was to help quit smoking (45.3% and 44.7%, respectively) while for non-smokers it was novelty (40%). E-cigarettes were most commonly used at home (59.4%), in outdoor dining areas (36.8%) and in the workplace (27.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarettes are being used by a small percentage of the NSW population. Reasons for e-cigarette use varied with smoking status. Different sociodemographic characteristics were associated with ever and past 30-day use of e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are being used in areas that are covered by smoke-free legislation. Implications for public health: Given e-cigarettes are being used in smoke-free areas, policy-makers could take a precautionary approach by including e-cigarette use under smoke-free legislation.