An Exploratory Study on Pharmacy-Based Vaping Related Health Services and Training in Australia

Abstract

The rise in the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has exploded exponentially over the recent decades, leading to millions taking up vaping worldwide. The act of vaping involves inhaling vapour that contains a variety of chemicals and flavourings and that has been aerosolised from the device into the user’s airways with immediate effects on the human body. However, there is limited evidence on the long-term harms and risks of vaping on the health of the individual and the wider population. Nicotine is a substance commonly found in e-cigarettes, where its concentration in combination with the device type leads to varying levels of exposure. Adolescents and young adults comprise a population subgroup that has seen increasing rates of vaping, which warrants concerns of nicotine addiction and dependence in this population. A myriad of factors have culminated in high uptake of vaping, particularly among adolescents and young adults, such as social media, marketing strategies, peer pressure and curiosity. The impact of using such devices, especially those containing nicotine, has led to an entire generation dependent on nicotine without even smoking a combustible tobacco cigarette. This highlights the importance of reducing vaping rates and managing vaping health-related issues in individuals, especially those who are particularly more at risk of taking up the habit.

Pharmacists and other primary care health professionals are well-versed in smoking cessation and providing behavioural support to manage an individual's quitting journey. However, there seems to be a lack of information and guidelines about vaping and vaping cessation, as well as the role of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) in smoking cessation. The rapidly evolving phenomenon is of a significant public health concern, with researchers and clinicians racing to keep up with the health effects and impacts of vaping.