Laverty AA, et al. – The intent here was to scrutinize the factors linked with support for banning e–cigarette use in public places in the European Union (EU). This study also ascertained how this varied by socio–demographic determinants, use of tobacco, ever use of e–cigarettes and their perceived harm. It was determined that the e–cigarette use bans in public places in Europe illustrated high levels of public support even among former and current tobacco smokers. Nevertheless, this did not differ across population groups. As legislators regarded the approaches to e–cigarette use, public opinion could be significant for the passing and enforcement of any legislation.

Methods

• Data were yielded from the representative Special Eurobarometer for Tobacco survey performed in 2014 (n = 27,801) in 28 EU member states.
• The assessment was performed separately by tobacco use status (never, current, and former smokers) and e-cigarette experimentation status.

Results

• 70.9% of never smokers, 63.1% of former smokers and 45.7% of current smokers in the EU supported a ban on the use of e-cigarettes in public places.
• In all groups, support for banning e-cigarettes in public places was determined to be lower among those who experimented with e-cigarettes (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 0.43 vs. 0.50 vs. 0.61, among never, current and former smokers respectively).
• It appeared to be higher among those who perceived e-cigarettes as harmful (aORs 2.49 vs 2.35 vs. 2.40, among never, current and former smokers respectively).
• 40.5% of those who had experimented with e-cigarettes supported a ban on use in public places.
• Nevertheless, the levels of support were lower among those who initiated e-cigarettes' use for circumventing the existing smoking bans (aOR 0.54, 95% Confidence Interval 0.45-0.64).