Evaluation of the knowledge of the electronic cigarette in patients who made at least one attempt to quit smoking: cross sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of awareness and consumption of the electronic cigarette (CE) in people who attended, at least once, to clinics of the Hospital Italiano Tobacco Control Program with the intention to quit smoking. Methods: Cross-sectional study through surveys administered by telephone or mail between August and November 2011 to a randomized sample obtained from the database of those who consulted the program between January 2008 and July 2011. Results: 288 people were invited, of which 81 completed the survey (response rate 31.7%). The 71.6% of respondents reported having knowledge about the electronic cigarette, but 74.1% ignored if health agencies approved their consumption and if this device can generate some risk or benefit to their health. Conclusions: The majority of respondents ignored issues such as the efficacy, safety and current regulations of CE marketing in Argentina. Further research to develop a regulatory approach based on evidence is needed