Research by the University of East London has found nearly 75 percent of people using electronic cigarettes found the devices helped the stop smoking.

The findings just published show nearly 75 percent of respondents started using e-cigarettes as a complete alternative to smoking, while 22 per cent stated they had started using the devices for other reasons, such as stopping smoking (seven per cent), for health reasons (six per cent) and to avoid smoking restrictions (three per cent).

Eighty-six percent of those surveyed confirmed they had not smoked cigarettes for several weeks or months since using the e-cigarette, and that the amount they smoked had decreased dramatically.

Lynne Dawkins, who led the study, said: “We know the majority of people reported great health benefits – a reduction in coughing and improved breathing for example. The benefits are most likely from people smoking fewer cigarettes, rather than as a direct effect of the devices.

“This survey is just a starting point, and further research is clearly needed to evaluate their effectiveness and long-term safety.”

A total of 1,123 ex-smokers and 218 current smokers from 33 different countries took part in the online survey.