The Efficacy Of Electronic Cigarettes For Smoking Cessation

What is the Efficacy of Electronic Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation?

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers tobacco to be a global epidemic and the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, with approximately six million tobacco-related deaths every year. Almost half of tobacco users die due to tobacco-related health issues (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). Electronic cigarettes continue to gain popularity as a tool for smoking cessation since their introduction in 2004 despite limited scientific research. The need for better treatment options for smoking cessation remains a priority but e-cigarettes may not be a better alternative (Hagstrom, Gannon, & Sobieraj, 2014).

Evidence-Based Intervention and Significance to Healthy Outcomes

Electronic cigarettes are basically battery operated devices that convert the highly addictive nicotine into aerosolized vapors that can be easily inhaled by the user. There are multiple brands and models of electronic cigarettes. They are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes and tend to be more affordable per year than regular cigarettes (Hagstrom, Gannon, & Sobieraj, 2014). The New National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends that there is not sufficient evidence to promote the use of e-cigarettes as aids for smoking cessation. Guidelines from the NCCN urge to use methods other than e-cigarettes for smoking cessation (Susman, 2015). A study that investigated the effects of e-cigarette marketing on older smokers concluded that in order to stem the current addiction of nicotine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) needs to take immediate action because electronic cigarette advertising promotes dual use and may contribute to increase in smoking habits (Cataldo, P...

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...gulated by the FDA (American Lung Association, 2015; Hagstrom, Gannon, & Sobieraj, 2014; Minnesota Department of Health, 2015).

Conclusion

The popularity of electronic cigarettes continues to increase, which may potentially be a major health hazard, especially for children and adolescents. The CDC and the FDA do not approve of the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation as they may contain carcinogens and continue to be addictive due to the presence of nicotine. Legislation is required to regulate the use of all nicotine products by the FDA so that Americans, especially adolescents, can be protected from developing nicotine addiction from e-cigarettes. The long-term side effects and efficacy of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation is unknown. There remains an urgent need for extensive research to determine the efficacy and adverse effects of electronic cigarettes.