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International Journal of Public Health

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01-03-2016 | Review

The efficacy and short-term effects of electronic cigarettes as a method for smoking cessation: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Authors: S. Khoudigian, T. Devji, L. Lytvyn, K. Campbell, R. Hopkins, D. O’Reilly

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 2/2016

Abstract

Objectives

E-cigarettes are increasingly popular as smoking cessation aids. This review assessed the efficacy of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation as well as desire to smoke, withdrawal symptoms, and adverse events in adult smokers.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Studies comparing e-cigarettes to other nicotine replacement therapies or placebo were included. Data were pooled using meta-analysis.

Results

Of 569 articles, 5 were eligible. Study participants were more likely to stop smoking when using nicotine e-cigarettes (43/489, 9 %) versus placebo e-cigarettes (8/173, 5 %); however, this difference was not statistically significant (RR 2.02; 95 % CI 0.97, 4.22). The pooled effect estimates for the desire to smoke (RR −0.22; 95 % CI −0.80, 0.36), irritability (RR −0.03; 95% CI −0.38, 0.31), restlessness (RR −0.03; 95 % CI −0.42, 0.35), poor concentration (RR −0.01; 95 % CI −0.35, 0.32), depression (RR −0.01; 95 % CI −0.22, 0.20), hunger (RR −0.01; 95 % CI −0.32, 0.30), and average number of non-serious adverse events (RR −0.09; 95 % CI −0.28, 0.46) were not statistically significantly different. Only one study reported serious adverse events with no apparent association with e-cigarette use.

Conclusions

Limited low-quality evidence of a non-statistically significant trend toward smoking cessation in adults using nicotine e-cigarettes exists compared with other therapies or placebo. Larger, high-quality studies are needed to inform policy decisions.

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Title: The efficacy and short-term effects of electronic cigarettes as a method for smoking cessation: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: S. Khoudigian
T. Devji
L. Lytvyn
K. Campbell
R. Hopkins
D. O’Reilly
Publication date: 01-03-2016
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-016-0786-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The efficacy and short-term effects of electronic cigarettes as a method for smoking cessation: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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