According to a recent study by JAMA Network Open, the number of individuals attempting to quit smoking decreased by 2.9% in 2020 compared to 2019. The study attributed this decline to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. This finding was part of a 10-year study tracking nearly 800,000 people who reported smoking daily or for most of the week. The largest decrease in quit attempts occurred in April, May, and June of 2020, with a 3.4% decline compared to the same period in 2019. However, the number of successful quitters has significantly increased since 2011.
The study also examined the sales of nicotine replacement therapies such as gum, lozenges, and patches. These products saw a 13% decrease in sales in 2020 compared to expected sales, and the decline continued into early 2021. However, sales started to recover in April, May, and June of 2021.
The findings of this study align with those of a smoking cessation hotline. According to data from the North American Quitline Consortium, demand for smoking cessation services declined from February to June of 2020 and continued on a downward trend in 2021 until March and April, when demand returned to pre-pandemic levels.
A recent study contradicts a commentary in BMJ Open earlier this year, suggesting that smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic may actually increase the likelihood of quitting. The study examined smokers, e-cigarette users, and those who used both nicotine products. Those who only smoked felt a higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and therefore were more motivated to quit. The study suggests that if smokers were made aware of the increased susceptibility to disease caused by smoking, they would be more likely to quit, particularly if they were older.
On the other hand, research has found an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes during the COVID-19 pandemic. These users perceive electronic cigarettes as less harmful and potentially a substitute for traditional cigarettes, leading to a lower likelihood of quitting smoking during the pandemic. The study also found that those who use both cigarettes and electronic cigarettes tend to purchase more cigarettes, further increasing their usage.
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