E-cigarette experimentation and support for tobacco control policies in the European Union

Abstract

Introduction: As e-cigarettes become more popular, one of the main concerns surrounding their use is that they may undermine tobacco control policies and renormalize tobacco use. Aim: To assess the association between e-cigarette experimentation and support for tobacco control in the European Union (EU). Methods: Data from wave 82.4 of the Eurobarometer survey (November-December 2014), were analysed. Data were collected through interviews in 28 EU member states (n=27,801 aged ≥15 years). Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the association of e-cigarette experimentation/current use of support for a number of tobacco control policies. Results: E-cigarette experimentation was inversely associated with support for most policies, including bans of online sales (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.88), ban of the use of e-cigarettes in public places (OR=0.61), ban of flavours in tobacco products (OR=0.84), plain packaging (OR=0.87) and tax increases (OR=0.83), but not with bans in advertising, keeping tobacco products out of sight and combating illicit trade. Being a current or a former smoker were strongly associated with less support for all tobacco control policies that were assessed. Discussion: E-cigarette experimentation was associated with lower support for most tobacco control policies, highlighting the potential implications of widespread e-cigarette use for tobacco control policies that are already in place or under consideration in many EU member states.