Who does use ENDS in Russia? Results from Russian tobacco control policy evaluation survey EPOCHA-RF

Abstract

Abstract Background Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) become popular in Russia. Still little is known about use of these products. Aim To assess patterns of active and passive exposure to ENDS in Russian population. Methods Data from Russian tobacco control policy evaluation survey (2017-2018) are analysed, conducted on the basis of multistage territorial random sample of 11625 respondents: 6569 smokers, 2377 former smokers and 2679 never smokers 18years and older in 10 Russian Federal subjects. Results 38.8% of the respondents were familiar with ENDS, with the highest proportion in the youngest age group (18-24): 53.8%(p<.0001). 9.3%had tried ENDS, among 18-24 years old - those were 23.5%(p<.0001). The amount was significantly higher among recent quitters (in last 3years)-17.2%, and current smokers-13% compared with former (quitters for more than 3years) and never smokers. Of those 26.4% used ENDS regularly-with highest proportion among 18-24years old (29.1%), and current smokers (27.1%). This comprises 2.5% of respondents as regular ENDS users, and 6.8%-among the youngest group. Half of the smokers had tried to quit by means of ENDS, of those 69% failed to quit smoking, and 79% could neither give up smoking nor ENDS. However, only 18% ENDS users agreed that e-cigarettes cause addiction, and 37% even denied the fact. Those were mostly the youngest respondents (45%). Vaping was not allowed at homes of 67.4%respondents, at workplaces-of 65.6%. 14% of respondents had witnessed vaping at workplaces, 55.8% in public places, 20.3% cafes, restaurants and bars. 51.4% had been exposed to secondhand aerosols of ENDS and 73.2%-among 18-24years olds. 37%found exposure to the aerosols annoying, with significant differences between never/former smokers (58% and 50.3%) and recent quitters and current smokers (39.3% and 29.2%). Conclusions Young people are mostly exposed to ENDS in Russia. Strong legislation should be considered to regulate ENDS and protect people from their exposure. Key messages Electronic cigarettes are mostly prevalent among the youngest age groups, current smokers and recent quitters in Russia. ENDS do not help smokers to quit: vast majority of smokers who used ENDS for this purpose failed to give up both smoking and electronic cigarettes.