A recent study by researchers at University College London (UCL) found that just over one in twenty adults in England combine smoking with e-cigarettes. This proportion rose from 3,5% in 2016 to 5,2% in 2024, with a notable increase from 2021, when disposable e-cigarettes gained popularity.
Changing consumer habits
The study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data collected between 2016 and 2024. The results indicate a significant increase in dual use among young adults: nearly two-thirds of 18- to 24-year-olds who smoke also use e-cigarettes in 2024, compared to one in five in 2016.
Among users who combined both products, there was a trend toward a reduction in smoking frequency in favor of increased e-cigarette use. The proportion of those who smoked daily and vaped occasionally decreased from 32% to 15%, while the proportion of individuals who vaped daily and smoked non-daily more than doubled, from 8% to 22%.
Misperceptions and implications for public health
The study also highlights that combination cigarette and e-cigarette users who mistakenly believe that vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking are less likely to vape daily. This misperception may hinder the full transition to vaping, which is considered less harmful than traditional smoking.
Dr Sarah Jackson, lead author of the study, said: “Dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is often a transitional step for those looking to quit or reduce their smoking. So it is not necessarily bad for long-term health if it helps people move away from smoking. However, it is important that individuals stop smoking completely to reap the full health benefits.”
Conclusion
This research highlights the changing behaviours around smoking and vaping in England, particularly among young adults. It highlights the importance of addressing misperceptions about the relative risks of vaping compared to smoking and encouraging smokers to consider vaping as a less harmful alternative, while aiming to quit smoking altogether for better health.
