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Perceptions and attitudes towards vaping among adults attending otolaryngology clinics: a questionnaire study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2025

Yahya Dakri ,
Shruti Darak ,
Ryan Bushell  and
Aaron Trinidade Open the ORCID record for Aaron Trinidade [Opens in a new window]
Yahya Dakri
Affiliation:
Anglia Ruskin University Medical School, Chelmsford, UK
Shruti Darak
Affiliation:
Anglia Ruskin University Medical School, Chelmsford, UK
Ryan Bushell
Affiliation:
Anglia Ruskin University Medical School, Chelmsford, UK
Aaron Trinidade*
Affiliation:
Anglia Ruskin University Medical School, Chelmsford, UK Southend Hospital, Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Southend-on-Sea, UK
*
Corresponding author: Aaron Trinidade; Email: aaron.trinidade@nhs.net
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Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to assess vaping prevalence, motivations and risk perceptions among adults attending ENT clinics in the East of England.

Methods

A survey was conducted with 284 adults (aged ≥18), gathering data on demographics, vaping habits, awareness of health risks and attitudes towards regulation.

Results

A total of 24 per cent reported vaping, particularly among those aged 18–25 years and the unemployed (p = 0.027). The main motivation was smoking cessation (49 per cent), followed by stress relief and social factors. Vapers perceived vaping as less harmful, while 60 per cent of non-vapers considered it “very harmful.” Awareness of risks was low, especially among younger adults and the unemployed, with 83 per cent lacking sufficient information. Non-vapers (84 per cent) supported stricter regulations.

Conclusion

Vaping is currently a poorly defined health risk. There is a need for targeted education on vaping risks and enhanced regulation, particularly within ENT settings. Further research is required to explore vaping’s health impacts on ENT health.

Keywords

e-cigarettesmoking cessationvaping

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , First View , pp. 1 - 8
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Aaron Trinidade takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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