The efficacy of e-cigarettes was found to be superior to nicotine gum for smoking cessation

E-cigarettes were as effective as varenicline and more effective than nicotine gum as a smoking cessation aid. All three addiction treatments were provided with minimal behavioral support.

Researchers from Peking University and Queen Mary University of London compared the effectiveness of three smoking cessation methods - e-cigarettes, varenicline and nicotine gum. The results of the study are published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

According to the analysis, six-month rates of sustained abstinence from smoking were comparable in the e-cigarette and varenicline groups: 15.7% and 14.2%, respectively. However, e-cigarettes outperformed nicotine gum, with a sustained abstinence rate of only 8.8%. All participants received behavioral support in a WeChat group where they could share their smoking cessation experiences.

Data from 1,068 smokers were analyzed. They were randomized into three groups: e-cigarettes (409 participants), varenicline (409), and nicotine gum (250). After randomization, participants were assigned a target date for smoking cessation, usually two weeks after the baseline visit. 

Sustained abstinence from smoking for six months was assessed, defined according to the Russell standard as smoking no more than five cigarettes within two weeks of the target date and complete smoking cessation during the subsequent week.

The authors concluded that e-cigarettes were as effective as varenicline and more effective than nicotine gum as a smoking cessation aid. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the safety of their long-term use.