Perceptions of a prescription model for accessing nicotine vaping products: an examination of submissions made by self-reported e-cigarette users to an Australian consultation

Abstract

In response to rapid and substantial increases in rates of e-cigarette use among young people, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) made changes to the regulations governing nicotine vaping products. As part of the regulatory change process, Australians were invited to comment on the proposed regulations, which featured the introduction of a prescription model for nicotine vaping products. To inform strategies to enhance compliance with the tightened regulations, this study examined submissions made by self-reported e-cigarette users to the TGA’s public consultation (n = 1405). A content analysis was conducted to identify and quantify key arguments. Claims about possible negative consequences associated with the regulations (e.g. people will return to smoking, inconvenience) featured in most submissions (84%). Around half (55%) of submissions mentioned perceived benefits of e-cigarettes, including favourable health outcomes (e.g. improved breathing) and enhanced tobacco cessation. Around half (52%) featured concerns about inconsistency in treatment and the argument that e-cigarettes should not be restricted when more harmful tobacco products are readily available. Alternative approaches to a prescription model were offered in nearly one-third (31%) of submissions. One-quarter (26%) included text provided by an industry-led astroturfing campaign. The arguments made in the analysed submissions suggest a lack of appreciation of (i) the negative health outcomes associated with e-cigarette use and (ii) evidence linking these devices to smoking relapse. Results highlight the need for targeted health campaigns that address (i) gaps in consumers’ knowledge and (ii) vaping-related misinformation being promulgated by the industry and its allies.

Perceptions of Australia’s e-cigarette regulations and recommendations for future reforms: a qualitative study of adolescents and adults

“… 9 17 Communications highlighting the historical mistake of tobacco cigarettes being made consumer products could be used to inform vapers of the risks associated with regulating e-cigarettes in a manner that is consistent with tobacco products. 25 …”

“…23 24 Consumers of e-cigarettes have also raised concerns about practitioner hesitancy and the impact of this on access. 25 Given the effectiveness of the prescription model is dependent on medical practitioners being open to prescribing e-cigarettes to smokers who wish to quit but have been unable to do so with first-line treatments, it is critical that practitioners are supported in their practice to prescribe nicotine e-cigarette products when use is clinically indicated.…”

“…9 17 Communications highlighting the historical mistake of tobacco cigarettes being made consumer products could be used to inform vapers of the risks associated with regulating e-cigarettes in a manner that is consistent with tobacco products. 25 It is encouraging that adolescents and young adults, regardless of vaping status, were largely supportive of a range of demand and supply reduction regulations to address e-cigarette use. These findings suggest Australian youth wish to quit vaping and consider the range of measures proposed, including reduced availability, as critical.…”

Editorial: AI and new digital technologies have transformed alcohol and other drug industries lobbying

“…A recent study revealed a digital astroturfing campaign by tobacco and vaping companies during consultations on the proposed restrictions on vaping products in Australia. Researchers found that 26% of submissions from consumers contained copy-pasted text from a template provided by an industry-led campaign (Jongenelis et al , 2023). As noted by the authors, using consumers to make submissions on behalf of the industry bypasses formal requirements to disclose conflicts of interest during public consultations.…”