Daniel A Erku1, Coral E Gartner2,3, Unchanok Tengphakwaen1, Kylie Morphett2, Kathryn J Steadman1. 1. School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia. 2. School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia. 3. Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Despite regulatory barriers for accessing nicotine liquid, use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) has increased rapidly in Australia. Legal use of NVPs to aid smoking cessation requires a prescription, and pharmacies report receiving enquiries about the use of and access to NVPs. In this study, we assessed vaping product use, harm perception and policy support among community pharmacy customers. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among customers (n = 470) from a large community pharmacy chain in Brisbane, Australia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine perception of NVPs as less harmful than combustible cigarettes and regulatory recommendations in relation to demographics, smoking status and NVP use. RESULTS: Almost one-third of the sample (31%) had either tried NVPs in the past (16%) or were current vapers (15%), the majority of them being current smokers (67%) who are trying to quit (31%) or substitute smoking (41%). Vapers primarily depended on family/friends as a source of information (76%). Current smokers and vapers were more likely to perceive NVPs as less harmful than cigarettes than non-smokers and non-vapers. Perceiving NVPs as safer than cigarettes was correlated with a recommendation to regulate as a tobacco product. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: There was widespread misperception about relative risk of nicotine-containing products, with 37% of respondents perceiving nicotine-containing NVPs to be as harmful as combustible cigarettes. Community pharmacies represent an ideal setting for educating smokers about smoking and vaping. Thus, pharmacy staff needs educational support to ensure that they are equipped to provide current evidence-based information to customers.
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Despite regulatory barriers for accessing nicotine liquid, use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) has increased rapidly in Australia. Legal use of NVPs to aid smoking cessation requires a prescription, and pharmacies report receiving enquiries about the use of and access to NVPs. In this study, we assessed vaping product use, harm perception and policy support among community pharmacy customers. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among customers (n = 470) from a large community pharmacy chain in Brisbane, Australia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine perception of NVPs as less harmful than combustible cigarettes and regulatory recommendations in relation to demographics, smoking status and NVP use. RESULTS: Almost one-third of the sample (31%) had either tried NVPs in the past (16%) or were current vapers (15%), the majority of them being current smokers (67%) who are trying to quit (31%) or substitute smoking (41%). Vapers primarily depended on family/friends as a source of information (76%). Current smokers and vapers were more likely to perceive NVPs as less harmful than cigarettes than non-smokers and non-vapers. Perceiving NVPs as safer than cigarettes was correlated with a recommendation to regulate as a tobacco product. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: There was widespread misperception about relative risk of nicotine-containing products, with 37% of respondents perceiving nicotine-containing NVPs to be as harmful as combustible cigarettes. Community pharmacies represent an ideal setting for educating smokers about smoking and vaping. Thus, pharmacy staff needs educational support to ensure that they are equipped to provide current evidence-based information to customers.
Authors: Ben Wamamili; Sheleigh Lawler; Mark Wallace-Bell; Coral Gartner; David Sellars; Randolph C Grace; Ryan Courtney; Pat Coope Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-02-09 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Daniel A Erku; Kylie Morphett; Kathryn J Steadman; Coral E Gartner Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-11-18 Impact factor: 3.390