Geelong saw third highest regional vaping numbers, new data reveals
New data has revealed Greater Geelong has seen some of the highest vaping rates in regional Victoria, but the number of adults using e-cigarettes paled in comparison to those smoking.
Greater Geelong has recorded one of the highest vaping rates in regional Victoria, with experts calling for a multi-pronged approach to tackling nicotine addiction.
A new report from Quit and Cancer Council Victoria shows an estimated 6.5 per cent of Greater Geelong adults — more than 13,800 people — vaped at the time of the 2022 survey, compared to 6.1 per cent across Victoria.
The report placed Greater Geelong as the local government area with the third highest vaping rates in regional Victoria, but noted changing in vaping legislation which has further restricted access to and promotion of vaping products.
However, it’s understand black market vapes continue to be sold.
According to the survey, an estimated 12.1 per cent of adults in Geelong smoked tobacco daily, compared to a statewide 10.9 per cent.
Quit acting director Sabine Ostrowski said in light of the prevalence of vapes in Geelong, it was proud to be partnering with the Barwon South West Local Public Health Unit to support a regional approach to reducing harm from nicotine.
“It’s vitally important to address smoking and vaping simultaneously, as linked behaviours,” she said.
“People who smoke and/or vape are linked by common dependence on nicotine.
“They are the result of an insidious industry intent on addicting them to harmful products.”
Ms Ostrowski said the solution would have to come through a region-wide response including health, education, local government, sport and recreation communities, with Greater Geelong City Council leading one of the six place-based VicHealth Collective Impact Vaping projects, which would work across the region.
“From the data we see smoking prevalence is higher in areas of lower socio-economic advantage, while vaping prevalence is higher in areas of mid-high socio-economic advantage,” she said.
“It’s important to thinking about ways to address cultural, social and economic factors influencing smoking and vaping prevalence, to avoid the inequity widening.”
Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman and local GP Anne Stephenson said vaping has become “very popular” with many age groups, but most worryingly in younger people.
“Most adults who smoke cigarettes became addicted to nicotine as teenagers,” Dr Stephenson said.
“Nicotine is highly addictive and research suggests that young people can become more easily addicted to nicotine than adults.
“Research indicates that young people who vape are three times as likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.”
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Originally published as Geelong saw third highest regional vaping numbers, new data reveals
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