Patterns of e-cigarette use, biochemically verified smoking status and
self-reported changes in health status of a random sample of vapeshops
customers in Greece
To understand the population impact of e-cigarettes, it is important to
examine the profile of e-cigarette users. The purpose was to examine the
characteristics, patterns of e-cigarette use and smoking status of a
random sample of vapeshops customers in Greece. Fourteen vapeshops were
randomly selected in the region of Athens. Every third customer buying
products for personal use was recruited by a researcher visiting the
vapeshops. Current smoking status was assessed by measuring exhaled
carbon monoxide (eCO), with a value >= 7 ppm being used to classify
subjects as current smokers. A questionnaire was used to examine past
smoking status, patterns of e-cigarette use, changes in health status
and experienced side effects. Logistic regression analysis was performed
to identify correlates of being a former smoker. A total of 309
participants were analyzed, with 82.5% being daily e-cigarette users.
The vast majority (98%) were smokers before e-cigarette use initiation,
with 69.6% of them having eCO < 7 ppm (former smokers). Only 1% were
never smokers, and 1% had quit smoking before e-cigarette use
initiation; all of them had eCO < 7 ppm. Most participants were using
third-generation devices (61.8%) and were using non-tobacco flavors
(58.9%). The average liquid consumption was 5 mL/day. Most participants
experienced health benefits, mainly improvement in physical status,
exercise capacity, olfactory and gustatory senses, while the most common
side effects were throat irritation and cough. The strongest correlate
of being a former smoker was daily e-cigarette use. Vapeshops customers
in Greece are mainly current and former smokers with the majority of
them having quit smoking. E-cigarette use by never smokers is rare and
none of them subsequently initiate smoking