LAUSR

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) including heated tobacco products not yet legally regulated are more and more imposed over the Russian population. Still very little is known about these products. To assess the exposure of Russian population to advertisement, promotion, of ENDS, and its attitudes and beliefs regarding these products. Data from Russian tobacco control policy evaluation survey (2017-2018) are analysed which used a systematic stratified multistage random sampling based on territorial household principle, representing the adult population (18+) of Russia in 10 Federal subjects. 20380 randomly selected respondents were interviewed and a stratified sample (n = 11625) of smokers (n = 6569), former smokers (n = 2377) and never smokers (n = 2679) participated in the survey. In past 6 months 15.7% of the respondents were exposed to promotion of ENDS via internet, 14%-via social networks and 13.4% at the points of sale. Remarkably the youngest age group (18-24) was significantly more exposed to advertisement and promotion of ENDS from all sources than the rest of age groups: 32.6%, 32.3% and 24.3% respectively (p<.0001). 48% of respondents believe that secondhand vape of e-cigarettes is harmful for health of people, with significant differences among current smokers (40%), recent quitters (53%), former smokers (60%) and never smokers (66%). Majority agreed that it is necessary to regulate allowed amounts of nicotine in e-liquids (54%), to ban vaping in public places where tobacco smoking is banned (59.2%), ban the sales of these products to minors (68%), and the use of e-cigarettes by those (71.2%). 61.5% support the need for ban of all forms of advertisement, marketing and promotion of ENDS. ENDS present a real threat for Russian tobacco control policy achievements. The findings will be used to support new strong legislation to regulate ENDS in Russia. Young people much more than the others are targeted with advertisement and promotion of ENDS. ENDS present a real threat for Russian tobacco control policy and should be legally regulated like any tobacco products.