Study: More Smokers Quit with Vapes Than with Traditional Support
A new study using data from local Stop Smoking Services (SSS) found higher quit rates among those using vapes than among those using other methods. The study also found that flavoured products, particularly fruit flavours, were widely available and commonly chosen by those using these services.
Key Takeaways
- 96% of surveyed UK Stop Smoking Services provided vapes to support smoking cessation.
- Services reported high quit rates with vapes (61.5%) than other cessation support (56.2%).
- Fruit flavours were the most popular among adult smokers.
- Researchers say that switching completely to vaping removes exposure to harmful cigarette smoke.
A Study of 28 Local UK Health Authorities
The study, An Assessment of the Provision of Vaping Products by UK Stop Smoking Services Using Data From Freedom of Information Requests, analysed responses from 28 local authorities across the UK.
Of these, 96% reported that their smoking cessation services provide vaping products to help people quit smoking. Most services supplied refillable open-system devices, while none reported providing disposable vapes. The study was published in Cureus.
Higher Quit Rates Among Those Using Vapes
Researchers compared quit rates reported by smoking cessation services for different forms of support.
Among the services that provided outcomes for both vaping and other smoking cessation methods, the average quit rate was 61.5% for people using vaping products, compared with 56.2% for those using other forms of support such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or behavioural support.
Dr Marina Murphy, co-author of the study and Senior Director of Scientific Affairs at Haypp, comments:
“This study provides valuable real-world evidence from Stop Smoking Services. The results are consistent with previous studies suggesting that vapes can be more effective than traditional smoking cessation approaches.”
Fruit Flavours Dominate
Every participating service provided flavoured vaping products, with fruit flavours being the most commonly available. Mint/menthol and tobacco flavours were also widely available, while dessert and soft drink flavours were much less common.
When asked which flavours were most popular among smokers, almost 79% of services reported fruit flavours as the most common choice. Only around 16% said tobacco flavours were the most frequently selected.
Dr Murphy continues:
“We consistently see that adult smokers prefer flavours other than tobacco. Flavours are not incidental, they offer a clear distinction between smoking and vaping so it is not surprising that smokers trying to get away from cigarettes like them.”
Part of the National ‘Swap to Stop’ Initiative
The UK Government’s “Swap to Stop” programme, launched in 2023, aims to encourage smokers to switch from cigarettes to lower-risk nicotine products by providing free vape starter kits alongside behavioural support.
According to the researchers, the scheme has contributed to an increase in the number of smokers using vaping products in their quit attempts. Previous analyses have estimated that the programme has resulted in around 125,000 additional quit attempts involving vaping products.
Fewer Harmful Chemicals Than Cigarette Smoke
Burning tobacco produces smoke that contains thousands of chemicals linked to diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vapes contain nicotine but do not contain tobacco and do not produce smoke.
According to Dr Murphy:
"The best thing a person can do for their health is not to smoke. For adults who do smoke and would otherwise continue, switching completely to vaping removes exposure to cigarette smoke entirely.”
