A recent study conducted by London South Bank University (LSBU) has discovered that smokers who receive assistance in selecting flavored e-cigarettes and supportive text messages are more likely to successfully quit smoking, according to The Guardian.
The study, led by LSBU, aimed to explore how vapes could aid in smoking cessation. The results after three months revealed that approximately 25 percent of participants had successfully quit smoking, while an additional 13 percent had reduced their cigarette consumption by more than half.
Among those who received guidance in choosing a vape flavor and supportive text messages, the likelihood of quitting smoking within three months increased by 55 percent.
Why selecting flavored e-cigarette
According to the researchers, the availability of flavored e-cigarettes allowed smokers to deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms more effectively, making it easier for them to quit smoking.
The supportive text messages provided additional guidance and encouragement, further enhancing the effectiveness of the intervention.
“Smoking kills approximately 8 million people worldwide every year, and even some of the often most effective treatments have little effect on reducing the number of smokers,” said Lynne Dawkins, professor of nicotine and tobacco studies at LSBU.
“From this treatment,24.5percent were smoke-free after three months and a further 13 percent had reduced their cigarette consumption by more than 50 percent.
The study’s findings have significant implications for smoking cessation programs and public health policies.
Flavored e-cigarettes have been a subject of debate due to concerns about their potential appeal to young people, but this research suggests that they can play a beneficial role in helping smokers quit.
The research focused on offering customized recommendations regarding vape products, nicotine strength, and flavors to buy, along with providing brief information on the relative harms of vaping compared to smoking and delivering text message support.
Participants were divided into groups, with some receiving all of these interventions, some receiving none, and some receiving only a portion of them.
