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Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes, vapes) are devices that aerosolise an “e‐liquid” for inhalation. Devices range from older low power “cigalikes” to refillable pen and larger tank devices, to more recent small high concentration nicotine salt pods and disposable products.

E‐cigarettes are used by millions of people around the world, particularly by younger people. In the 2019 Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 26% of 18–24‐year‐old respondents and 10% of those aged 40–49‐years reported having used e‐cigarettes at least once.

The contemporary evidence on e‐cigarettes, including information about their direct effects on health and indirect effects (e.g., impact on smoking behaviour), must be integrated to inform evidence‐based policy and practice. Several major reviews of the health effects of e‐cigarettes have been published, but no contemporary comprehensive systematic reviews or major reports with systematic quality assessment were identified prior to our review for the Australian Department of Health.

This MJA Systematic Review article shares more.

Details

1. Explain key components of the research.
2. List main findings.
3. Recognise the relationship of e‐cigarette use to health outcomes.

Authors: Emily Banks, Amelia Yazidjoglou, Sinan Brown, Mai Nguyen, Melonie Martin, Katie Beckwith, Amanda Daluwatta, Sai Campbell and Grace Joshy

Article Type: Research