Background

In recent years, many alternatives to combustible cigarettes have appeared. Lately, disposable e-cigarettes (DECs) have been rapidly gaining popularity, especially among young people.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of single-use e-cigarettes and the vaping habits of their users.

Material and methods

An anonymous survey created by the authors was conducted among the Polish population (aged 18–30), recruited using social media platforms. Information on awareness of cigarette-like products, smoking history and habits were collected. Furthermore, the Modified Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used to assess the level of nicotine dependence.

Results

Among 410 recruited participants, 134 (32.68%) were active users of DECs, which was the most common nicotine delivery system. The median age of the respondents was 21 (interquartile range (IQR) 19–24). 64.15% of the participants were female. Interestingly, women used DECs more often than men (37.88% vs 23.28%, p = 0.003). 43% of people who did not actively use DECs have tried this product in the past. Overall, the median age of first use of DECs was 19 (IQR 17–22). Among active consumers, the most common reason for using DECs for the first time was the variety of enjoyable flavors (76.12%). 60.45% showed low nicotine dependency, while 38.81% were moderately nicotine dependent.

Conclusions

DECs were the most common nicotine delivery systems among young adults. Women were especially prone to use single-use e-cigarettes. DECs are often associated with high nicotine consumption and a young initiation age. The results of this study are alarming and indicate the need to educate society.