Northland smokers wanted for e-cigarette trial

Northland smokers who want to quit can take part in a trial on electronic cigarettes.

Researchers are looking for Northlanders keen to take part in a trial of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and nicotine patches to see if they help people who smoke tobacco to quit.

Researchers at the National Institute for Health Innovation, the University of Auckland, want around 1800 people to take part and have put the call out for keen Northlanders to get in touch.

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that let the user inhale nicotine with less harmful chemicals than found in tobacco smoke. The devices contain water and propylene glycol (a non-toxic food additive, also used in asthma inhalers) or glycerol (vegetable oil). Nicotine can be added to this mixture. When heated the liquid forms a mist and can be breathed in. The act of using an e-cigarette is called "vaping".

Lead researcher Associate Professor Natalie Walker said that the aim of the trial, funded by the Health Research Council, is to find out whether e-cigarettes used either with or without nicotine combined with nicotine patches can help people quit smoking. All product will be provided free to participants.

"This study will be the largest trial of e-cigarettes for quitting conducted anywhere in the world," said co-investigator Professor Chris Bullen.

Dr Bullen led the team's 2013 trial that tested an earlier type of e-cigarette, and found they were safe and as good as nicotine patches for quitting.

The research team has been working closely with the "vaping" community in Auckland to identify the best e-cigarette to test, and has decided on one of the latest "tank" style e-cigarettes.

"We are hoping to recruit around 1800 people across New Zealand into the study." Dr Walker said.

Participants must be willing to be randomly allocated ["like the toss of a coin"] to one of three groups: using nicotine patches alone, using nicotine patches and nicotine-free e-cigarettes or using nicotine patches and e-cigarettes containing nicotine. People will be followed up by phone for six months to see how successful they've been at quitting.

Interested Northlanders who smoke but want to quit, are at least 18 years of age, and have access to a phone, can call 0800 367 644, email ascend-2@auckland.co.nz or go to http://ascend2.nihi.auckland.ac.nz to find out more about what the study involves.