An evaluation of community pharmacists' perception of e-cigarette: An English cross-sectional survey with geospatial analysis.

Abstract

We wanted to establish prevalence of e-cigarette sale via Englishcommunity pharmacies. A cross-sectional survey of 500 retail-pharmacies was completed.Seventeen out of the 66respondents sold e-cigarettes, indicating a sales-prevalence of 25.76%. NRTwas widely available for sale (n=16, 94.1%), cessation services were lessfrequently available (n=7, 41.2%), or not available (n=9, 52.9%). ‘Dailysmokers’ were likely to use e-cigarette (n=8, 47.1%). Accessories were sold to0-2 people (n=13, 76.5%), χ² p=2.454 x 10-4. Young women purchasede-cigarettes (n=4, 23.5%), p=0.049, which were placed on top of the counter (n=7,41.2%), reflecting ‘impulse sales’ strategy. NRT was available forself-selection (n=14, 82.4%) (p=0.004), however staff-assistance was required(n=12, 70.6%), posing barriers. Costs for e-cigarette (£10.99-£29.99) versusNRT (£4.25-£35.99) represents value for money. Labelling and packaging werefound to be attractive, p=0.049, fashionable, colourful p=0.049, healthy,potentially breaching laws. All respondents provided NRT counselling, p<1x10-8.Less than half (n=8, 47.1%) provide e-cigarette’s counselling, while a majority(n=9, 52.9%) did not. Eight respondents describe 22 flavours, providing goodmouth feel. Aggregate ‘deprived’ versus ‘affluent’ analysis revels interestinginsights. We find some support of non-smokers initiating use. Pharmacists help patientsbut have limited support. We make recommendations to improve practice.