E-cigarette use and smoking-related disparities in England: an observational study using small area estimation and nonparametric regression

Small area estimation provides a useful way to synthesize local estimates of e-cigarette use when direct estimation is impossible. The analysis suggests that the uptake of e-cigarettes, while associated with cessation from smoking for both types of workers, may not immediately reduce smoking-related disparities. Additional investigation should examine why the uptake of e-cigarettes may have a less marked effect on smoking cessation among R&M workers and whether these results change as the e-cigarette market matures. The analysis highlights the need to ensure that cessation interventions delivering net benefits reach the communities whose need is greatest.