The number of people trying to stop smoking using NHS Grampian services plunged by more than a quarter between 2013 and 2014, new figures revealed yesterday.
Across the region, 6,971 attempts were made with the help of the health board last year – a reduction of 26% on 2013.
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray are now behind the Scottish average in smoking prevalence.
The board now intends to raise awareness of its services and explore the possibility of a text message service for users.
Chris Littlejohn, a consultant in public health, told a meeting of the NHS Grampian board yesterday that the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes could be a factor.
He said: “The availability of e-cigarettes as an alternative, which may put people off seeking help from an NHS cessation service, is a question that needs answered.
“Obviously it is a controversial point among health professionals whether e-cigarettes are a good or bad thing.”
A report to the board read: “In general, health in Grampian compares well with other parts of Scotland and our performance is generally positive.
“We are significantly ‘better’ than Scotland in 38 out of 54 indicators of health and well-being.”