Vaping Statistics Australia: Insights into Youth and Adult Use

In recent years, vaping has become an alternative to traditional smoking. Many Australians who have used an e-cigarette are likely to be current smokers or are trying to quit tobacco smoking altogether.

With a wide variety of electronic cigarettes on the market, users can access almost any type of device to suit their needs and preferences. In Australia, however, the most sought-after devices are closed-system e-cigarettes.

Health organisations in Australia have expressed concern about the safety of vaping products. With limited scientific proof of negative health effects, however, no definitive action can be taken.

Statistics About Vaping in Australia

In this article, we will explore vaping statistics in Australia, looking at different age groups, frequency of smoking, reasons for smoking, impact on smoking cessation, and other demographics.

General Vaping Statistics For All Ages

Vaping and e-cigarettes usage is a growing trend worldwide, with Australia being no exception. While the trend appeals particularly to the younger demographic, older generations are also venturing into vaping. Some try it once and never return, while others incorporate it into their regular routines.

Motives behind vaping are varied, with curiosity and a desire to quit smoking being the leading factors.

• 69% of e-cigarette users were current smokers at the point of first use.
• 23% of users were non-smokers when they tried their first e-cigarette.
• 54% of individuals sampled e-cigarettes out of curiosity.
• 23% of individuals used e-cigarettes, believing they were less harmful than traditional tobacco.

Based on data collected by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020) on individuals aged 14 and above:

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Teenage Vaping In Australia

E-cigarettes have found popularity among Australian teenagers, primarily due to the appeal of flavored variants. Offering many sweet and fruity flavors, these devices are deemed tastier than regular tobacco products by many users.

• About 14% of users aged 12 to 17 have tried an e-cigarette at least once.
• 32% of the aforementioned users used an e-cigarette or vape in the past month.
• 63% of adolescents received e-cigarettes from friends, and 12% reported buying one themselves.

Based on the 2017 Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey:

Source: Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Vaping Among Young Adults in Australia

Young adults constitute the majority of vapers in Australia. They are attracted by the convenience, customisability, and flavor variety e-cigarettes offer.

Percentage of young adults who vape in Australia:

Regarding young Australians aged 18-24:

• 64% of current smokers reported having tried an e-cigarette or vape.
• 4.8% reported current usage of an e-cigarette or vape.
• 20% of non-smokers reported having tried an e-cigarette or vape.
• 17.9% of people who experiment with e-cigarettes or vapes use them monthly at a minimum.
• 74% of young adults sampled e-cigarettes or vapes out of curiosity.

• source: Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Vaping statistics amongst young adult men and women:

Examining gender-based usage, men are more likely to use e-cigarettes than women:

• Men are more likely than women to have used an e-cigarette or vape at least once (11.3% versus 7.5%).
• Men are more likely than women to currently use an e-cigarette or vape (2.9% versus 1.6%).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Vaping Among Older Adults in Australia

Vaping is not limited to younger individuals and is seeing increased interest among older adults. Many users in this demographic are former smokers who have transitioned to vaping as a potentially less harmful option or as a means to quit smoking.

Vaping statistics amongst adults aged 45 and older:

• 2.9% reported having used an e-cigarette or vaping device in the past.
• 1.5% reported current usage of an e-cigarette or vaping device.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Vaping Trends Over Time

The 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) data indicate that lifetime e-cigarette usage in Australia is increasing. When comparing the 2019 data to the 2016 survey:

• Smokers who had tried an e-cigarette in their lifetime increased by 8% (31% in 2016 to 39% in 2019.)
• Non-smokers who had tried an e-cigarette increased by 2% (4.9% in 2016 to 6.9% in 2019.)
• Daily e-cigarette use among smokers increased by 1.7% (1.5% in 2016 to 3.2% in 2019.)
• Ex-smokers using e-cigarettes daily increased by 1.4% (0.8% in 2016 to 2.2% in 2019.)

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Types Of Vaping Products

Vaping devices can be broadly classified into three categories: minis, refillable systems, and closed systems.

1. Minis: Minis are small, compact vaping devices made to look like a conventional cigarette. They are easy to carry around and require little maintenance. Mini devices are disposable and use pre-filled cartridges that are replaced when the e-liquid runs out.

2. Refillable Systems: Refillable systems are larger than mini devices. They typically consist of a tank that holds the e-liquid and a battery that powers the device. Users can refill the liquid as needed and choose from various e-liquid flavours. Users can also adjust the device’s settings to their liking.

3. Closed Systems: Closed systems, also known as pod systems, are similar to mini devices in that they use pre-filled cartridges. However, they are typically larger and more powerful than mini devices. The cartridges are designed to be refilled multiple times.

The Australian market is predominantly dominated by closed-system e-cigarette devices. This includes devices such as pod vapes, which are pre-filled with e-liquid and are designed to be disposed of when the liquid is depleted. The popularity of these devices is largely due to their convenience and ease of use.

Refillable system devices, such as vape pens and box mods, are less commonly used.

Market data from Euromonitor International found that as of 2020, the Australian e-cigarette market comprised of:

• Approximately 60% closed-system devices
• While refillable system devices accounted for approximately 40%.

Sources: Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA); Lung Foundation Australia

Dual Use Of Tobacco Products And E-cigarettes

What is dual use?

The dual use of tobacco cigarettes and vaping refers to the practice of using both traditional tobacco cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at the same time or intermittently.

People who smoke tobacco cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes either do so because they enjoy the experience of smoking both or because they are trying to quit conventional smoking by incorporating the use of e-cigarettes.

Use of e-cigarettes as a means to quit smoking

In 2020, approximately 22% of current smokers or recent ex-smokers in Australia reported using an e-cigarette in their most recent attempt to quit.

Furthermore, individuals who perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than traditional cigarettes are likelier to use them as a cessation aid.

A randomized controlled trial conducted in Australia revealed that trial participants chose e-cigarettes more often than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) at a rate of 71.1% to 29.0%.

Multiple studies indicate that smokers who use e-cigarettes are more likely to attempt to stop smoking conventional cigarettes, particularly adults versus teenagers. Although smokers who use e-cigarettes are already more motivated to stop smoking, the use of e-cigarettes among smokers who lack motivation may prompt thoughts about quitting.

In 2021, a meta-analysis and Cochrane review provided moderate certainty evidence that individuals who used electronic nicotine delivery systems were 1.7 times more likely to stop smoking successfully compared to those who made use of other methods, namely: non-nicotine e-cigarettes and NRT.

Multiple studies reviewed by Tobacco in Australia have observed a reduction in the daily consumption of conventional cigarettes among e-cigarette users. However, this may not lead to significant changes in consumption at a population level.

According to a study, dual use of products led to a reduction in cigarette consumption but an increase in overall nicotine use and dependence. In turn, this could impede one’s ability to discontinue using either or both of the products.

Source: Tobacco in Australia

Aboriginal Vaping Statistics

E-cigarette use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in Australia in 2018/19.

Less than one in ten (8.1%; 6.7,9.4) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have ever used e-cigarettes. Current use is substantially lower than lifetime use, with only 1.3% (0.8,1.9) of adults currently using e-cigarettes daily or weekly. Additionally, less than 3% (2.7%; 1.9,3.6) of adults had used an e-cigarette product containing nicotine within the year preceding the survey.

Age Group Results:

Younger adults are more likely to have used e-cigarettes, with ever use being significantly more common among those aged 18-24 and 25-44 years compared to those aged 45 years and over. Current use of e-cigarettes showed a similar pattern, with younger age groups having a higher prevalence of current use. The use of e-cigarettes containing nicotine within the past year was more common among younger age groups.

Sex Results:

There was no significant difference in e-cigarette use prevalence between males and females. However, males were more likely to be current e-cigarette users and to have used e-cigarettes containing nicotine within the past year than females.

Remoteness Results:

E-cigarette use was more prevalent in major cities and regional areas compared to remote areas. Most e-cigarette users live in major cities and regional areas, with only a small minority living in remote settings.

Australian Health Organisations’ Views On Vaping

The views of Australian health organisations on vaping and e-cigarettes are generally cautious. Many organizations recommend that smokers use other cessation aids that are more evidence-based and proven to be effective.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has expressed concerns about the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. They note that the long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood. For this reason, they believe that other evidence-based methods may be safer and more effective.

Alternative methods to the use of nicotine vaping products include nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications.

While negative health effects have not yet been scientifically proven, the AMA has also called for tighter regulation of nicotine vaping products. This includes a ban on their sale to minors, restrictions on advertising, and limits on the amount of nicotine they can contain.

The Cancer Council Australia has also expressed caution about e-cigarettes. The organisation notes that there is a likelihood that users are exposing themselves to harmful chemicals and toxins.

According to a national health survey conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2019, the majority of Australians (around 86%) believed that e-cigarettes were harmful to health. In the same national health survey, around 8% believed they were less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

The long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood, and research is ongoing to better understand the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Cost Of Vaping

The cost of vaping in Australia varies depending on several factors, including the type of device, e-liquid, and local taxes and regulations.

Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are legal in Australia only with a prescription, which may add to the cost of obtaining and using them. Nicotine-free e-cigarettes are available for purchase without a prescription. However, the cost of these devices and associated accessories, such as coils, tanks, and e-liquids, can still be significant.

According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the average expenditure on electronic cigarettes by Australian households was around AUD $9 per week in 2016-17. This represents a small but growing share of overall expenditure on tobacco and related products, which was around AUD $27 per week on average.

However, the cost of vaping can vary widely depending on individual usage patterns and preferences.

Some vapers may spend more on premium e-liquids or high-end devices, while others may choose more affordable options. Local taxes and regulations on vaping products can also affect their cost, with some states and territories imposing additional taxes or restrictions on the sale and use of e-cigarettes.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

FAQs

Sources:

https://lungfoundation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Factsheet-Vaping-and-Young-People_For-Educators-Jul2021.pdf