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March 8, 2025
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, along with Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, provides strong evidence that vaping does not aid smokers in quitting tobacco use. The study’s findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), contradict the common belief that vaping serves as an effective cessation tool for smokers.
Vaping vs. Smoking: The Scientific Verdict
“Most smokers think vaping will help them quit smoking,” said Dr. John P. Pierce, Distinguished Professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and one of the study’s co-authors. “However, this belief is not supported by science to date. While some researchers have suggested that smokers who switch to daily vaping will be more successful in quitting, we studied quitting success among both daily and non-daily vapers and came up with a quite definitive answer.”
The study involved over 6,000 U.S. smokers, 943 of whom also vaped. The results showed that smokers who vaped were less successful in quitting compared to those who did not vape. Daily vape users were found to be 4.1% less successful in quitting smoking, while occasional vape users were 5.3% less successful.
The Misleading Perception of Vaping
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in five Americans uses tobacco products, with cigarette smoking being the most prevalent form of consumption. However, there has been a recent shift toward vaping, largely driven by the belief that it is a safer alternative to smoking.
This perception of safety reinforces the illusion that vaping can help smokers transition away from cigarettes. The researchers emphasized that while e-cigarettes do not contain the same harmful chemicals as traditional cigarettes, they are not without risks.
“The adverse health effects of cigarette smoking become obvious after people have smoked for 20 years,” Dr. Pierce explained. “While vapes generally don’t contain the same harmful chemicals as cigarette smoke, they have other risks, and we just don’t yet know what the health consequences of vaping over 20 to 30 years will be.”
A Definitive Study on Smoking and Vaping
One of the key strengths of the study was its ability to account for numerous variables known to influence smoking cessation. Researchers controlled for factors such as smoking frequency, motivation to quit, smoke-free household environments, and socioeconomic status to ensure the accuracy of their findings.
“For example, if a smoker is already very interested in quitting, has a smoke-free home, and does not smoke daily, they are much more likely to successfully quit, regardless of whether they vape or not,” said Dr. Karen Messer, professor of biostatistics at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and the study’s senior author.
To avoid misleading conclusions, the researchers ensured that they compared individuals with similar characteristics. According to Dr. Messer, previous studies that failed to account for these confounding factors have contributed to the misconception that vaping aids smoking cessation.
Implications for Public Health Policy
The study’s findings have significant implications for public health policies, particularly regarding the marketing of e-cigarettes. Young people are often targeted by e-cigarette advertisements and may find themselves using these products as an entry point to nicotine addiction.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know about the impact of vaping on people,” noted Natalie Quach, a third-year biostatistics Ph.D. student at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and the study’s first author. “But what we do know is that the idea that vaping helps people quit isn’t actually true. It is more likely that it keeps them addicted to nicotine.”
Dr. Messer stressed the importance of rigorous scientific research in shaping tobacco control policies. “As the public health community continues to grapple with the complexities of tobacco control, it is essential that we rely on rigorous scientific evidence to inform our policies and interventions,” she stated. “Our research shows that misleading associations between vaping and smoking cessation routinely occur unless confounding characteristics are carefully accounted for.”
Why This Study Matters
As vaping continues to gain popularity, it is crucial to base public health strategies on solid scientific evidence rather than marketing claims or misconceptions. This study highlights the importance of informed policymaking to prevent further nicotine addiction and protect public health.
The full study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the findings of a specific study and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals seeking to quit smoking should consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on smoking cessation methods.
