Prevalence, views and experience of e-cigarette use by COPD patients in The Birmingham COPD Cohort

Abstract

Introduction: E-cigarettes have gained in popularity over the past five years. However, their safety and efficacy as a quitting aid remains controversial, and experience among COPD patients insufficiently studied. Aims and Objectives: Describe the prevalence, views and experience of use of e-cigarettes in a primary care COPD population. Methods: Cross sectional analysis of questionnaire data from The Birmingham COPD Cohort. We described prevalence of ever use of e-cigarettes by demographic/clinical factors and views on utility and safety in all patients, and satisfaction and effects on lung health in ever users. Results: 14% of all patients (n=77/548) had ever tried e-cigarettes. Current users (n=33) were more likely than ex- or never users to view e-cigarettes as a safer and less addictive alternative to smoking, and an effective aid for quitting. Ex- and current users reported similar reasons for use, with the most common reasons being “to help quit smoking” (81%) and “to improve lung health” (69%). However, 96% of ex-users found e-cigarettes less satisfying than cigarettes. Current users were more likely than ex-users to report improvements in respiratory symptoms, including cough, chest tightness and dyspnoea. However, worsening of symptoms was also reported by some ex- and current users. Conclusions: 1 in 7 COPD patients have used e-cigarettes. Current use is associated with the view that they are safe and effective. Discontinuation of use is more likely in patients who experience less satisfaction and no improvement or worsening in their symptoms. Further research needs to investigate the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for quitting, and also effect on lung health in COPD patients.