The researchers pointed out that despite the declining smoking rates in the UK, cigarette use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death. “While improved approaches to smoking cessation are necessary, encouraging and assisting smokers to switch by using substantially less toxic non-tobacco nicotine products may be a possible option,” read the study abstract.
36.5% abstinence rate after 90 days
The researchers distributed a Blu Pro e-cigarette to smokers as a replacement for regular cigarettes, and measured success rates at baseline, 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. “After 90 days, the complete abstinence rate was 36.5% from 0% at baseline. Frequency of daily smoking reduced from 88.7% to 17.5% (P<0.001) and median consumption of cigarettes/day from 15 to 5 (P<0.001),” they reported.
On the basis of this data the study authors concluded that it may be beneficial for smokers to be provided with e-cigarettes at zero or minimal costs for at least a short period, by smoking cessation services or any health providers that may be assisting them to quit.
