Electronic nicotine delivery systems - new challenge for tobacco control policy: results from Russian tobacco control policy evaluation study

Popularity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is increasing in Russia. Still little is known about the situation with ENDS in the country. Aim: To assess the exposure of population to advertisement, promotion of ENDS in Russia, and attitudes and beliefs of the population regarding these products. Methods: Data from Russian Tobacco Control Law Evaluation Survey (June – August 2017) were analysed. 11699 randomly selected respondents from 4320 households in 5 Subjects of Russian Federation were interviewed and a stratified sample (n=5289 aged≥18 years) of smokers (n=3228), former smokers (n=1012) and never smokers (n=1049) participated in the survey. Results: In past 6 month 19.6% of the respondents were exposed to promotion of ENDS via internet, 18.4% - at the points of sale, 18.1% - via social networks. The other sources of advertisement had lesser contribution in marketing and promotion of ENDS. Exposure of the youngest age group (18-24) to e-cigarettes promotion was 2-3 times higher compared to the other age groups – via all sources (p 61% of respondents believe that the second hand vape of e-cigarettes is harmful for health of people. Majority agreed that is necessary to regulate allowed amounts of the nicotine in e-liquids (65.4%), ban the aromatic supplements (56,5%), ban vaping in public places where tobacco smoking is banned (70.6%), ban the sales of these products to minors (82%), and the use of e-cigarettes by those(83,7%). 77,6% support the need for ban of all forms of advertisement, marketing and promotion of ENDS. The Findings: will be used to support new strong legislation to regulate ENDS in Russia.