A new study from the University of Washington suggests that smokers who switch to e-cigarettes may have more opportunities to choose healthier options.
According to researchers, this does not mean that vaping is beneficial to health, but it may be related to a healthier daily life for those who already smoke (and cannot quit).
The study was sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, National Institute on Aging, and National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The co-authors of the study emphasized that electronic cigarettes have significant negative impacts on public health, but they are popular among young people, especially those who were not previously addicted to nicotine. The focus of this study was to investigate whether electronic cigarettes are beneficial for current smokers who are unable to quit.
For this study, Costerman and his collaborators reached out to 800 Seattle residents who had been participants in a landmark study since 1985 when they were elementary school students.
The study conducted by the University of Wisconsin focused on 156 participants. The subset reported smoking combustible cigarettes at age 30, and either smoking or using e-cigarettes at age 39.
A research team conducted a survey on nine indicators of healthy aging and happiness, as well as the frequency of participation in certain activities, among participants aged 30 to 39.
Out of 156 participants, 64% only smoked combustible cigarettes at the age of 39, 28% had tried e-cigarettes, and 8% had exclusively used e-cigarettes.
A study has found that approximately one-third of people start vaping before the age of 39, either partially or fully. These individuals tend to have better physical health, engage in more exercise, and have a higher level of social participation.
Although the study cannot demonstrate a causal relationship, we believe that because e-cigarettes have less stigma, less odor, and less harm to the body, they may increase smokers' opportunities to promote their health.
Costerman said that people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to be in environments that promote physical activity and interact with non-smokers.
What we are saying is that electronic cigarettes have indeed played a positive role for current adult smokers who continue to use nicotine.
Source: The Seattle Times
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