Study Reveals Vapes Outperform Nicotine Gum for Quitting Smoking

Recent research indicates that vaporized nicotine products (VNPs) may be significantly more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), such as gum and lozenges, for aiding smoking cessation, particularly among individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The findings emerged from a randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center at UNSW Sydney. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, involved 1,045 participants who were daily smokers aged 18 and older, all of whom were receiving government assistance as an indicator of low socioeconomic status.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either VNPs or NRTs, with the NRT group given a choice between an eight-week supply of nicotine gum or lozenges. The VNP group received nicotine e-liquid for use in either tank or pod devices, with options for various flavors including tobacco, menthol, and fruit.

All participants also received behavioral support through automated text messages for a duration of five weeks. The primary measure of success was the rate of continuous abstinence from smoking over a six-month period.

The results were striking: 28.4% of those using VNPs achieved continuous abstinence compared to just 9.6% in the NRT group. Moreover, subgroup analyses revealed that VNPs were consistently more effective across various demographics, including age, sex, levels of nicotine dependence, and mental health status.

Given that individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by the health risks associated with smoking, this research highlights the potential role of VNPs in promoting smoking cessation in this vulnerable population. The results suggest that vaporized nicotine products could be a valuable tool in public health strategies aimed at reducing smoking rates.

For further details, the full study is available in the Annals of Internal Medicine.