[Patterns of electronic cigarette and tobacco heating products use in Spain.].

OBJECTIVE

The new tobacco related products (TRP) have modified the smoking patterns, which have been scarcely evaluated by independent studies. Our objective was to describe the patterns of electronic cigarette (e-cig) and tobacco heating products (THP) use among Spanish population.

METHODS

An electronic survey aimed to population who had used at least once in their lifetime e-cigs or THPs was used to gather personal data, patterns of e-cig and THP use, as well as risk perceptions and intention to quit these products. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze qualitative and non-parametric quantitative variables, respectively, establishing statistical significance if p values <0.05.

RESULTS

The responses of 175 subjects were included. From them, 107 had consumed e-cig, 33 THP and 35 both devices. The daily use was more common among THP users, who were older than e-cig and both devices' consumers (median age 43 vs 38 vs 35 years old, p=0.013). Of the overall group, 94% referred to have smoked conventional cigarettes at least once in their lifetime, and from them 36% referred a daily cigarette consumption at the time of the survey. Regarding the risk perception of the TRP, 70%, 55% y 63% of the subjects that had used e-cig, THP, and both devices, respectively, considered that these products were less harmful for their own health than conventional cigarettes. Concerning their intention to quit any tobacco product, 51% and 64% of e-cig and THP users respectively, showed interest in quitting these devices.

CONCLUSIONS

The previous and current conventional cigarettes use is frequent among TRPs consumers. The risk perception of these products is low; however, a considerable intention to quit these products is reported.