Perceptions of passive vaping from exposure to electronic cigarettes device – a United Kingdom perspective: A scoping review.

Abstract

Background: The United Kingdom (UK) has recorded a significant increase in e-cigarette use in recent years, necessitating an in-depth examination through documented studies of what the UK population thinks about passive vaping trends in the context of exposure from e-cigarette devices and possibly identifying any knowledge gaps and limitations to address this critical public health issue. This scoping review aimed to provide an in-depth look at the current state of research on passive vaping from electronic cigarette devices in the UK.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on CINAHL, Medline, and the Web of Science to identify primary studies for the review. Only studies published in English and conducted in the UK were considered eligible for inclusion. Thematic analysis was adopted in the synthesis to reveal patterns and connections within the articles that met the eligibility criteria, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the health risks associated with passive vaping.

Results: The findings of the 8 studies included showed a complex landscape of public attitudes and behaviour surrounding passive vaping, with several key themes emerging. Perceptions of harm and risk associated with passive vaping vary, with some people underestimating the potential health consequences while others expressed concerns about e-cigarette aerosol exposure. Findings showed that youth and adolescent passive vaping is a major concern because it can influence smoking initiation and addiction in this vulnerable population. Also, regulations and policies influence perceptions and behaviours related to passive vaping, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policies that protect public health. Smoking cessation and harm reduction efforts should consider the potential risks of passive vaping and incorporate harm-mitigation strategies.

Conclusion: The current state of research on passive vaping from electronic cigarette devices in the UK reveals a multifaceted landscape of public attitudes and behaviours, yielding several pivotal insights. First and foremost, people's perceptions of the harm and risk associated with passive vaping vary greatly, with some downplaying the potential health consequences while others express genuine concerns about e-cigarette aerosol exposure. Interventions to address the changing landscape of passive vaping in the UK and its potential impact on public health are imperative.