E-cigarettes: Perceived harmfulness and use for smoking cessation

BackgroundThe perception that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional tobacco products can influence the consumption of e-cigarettes.ObjectivesThree questions were examined: (1)How do different population groups perceive health risks of e-cigarettes? (2)Do sociodemographic variables explain differences in the risk assessment of e-cigarettes? (3)Does the perception of health risks predict the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation?MethodsData came from the 2015 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) with asample size of n=9204 participants, aged 18 to 64years (response rate 52.2%). Data were collected by telephone, online, or by written questionnaires. Assessments of risk perception of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes (more harmful, just as harmful, less harmful, do not know) were compared. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were performed.ResultsIndividuals with lower education rated e-cigarettes as more harmful. Older people and women perceived e-cigarettes as just as harmful. Smokers considered e-cigarettes to be more harmful than or just as harmful as conventional tobacco products. The likelihood of using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation was higher if people thought they were less harmful than conventional cigarettes.ConclusionsOnly one-third of the population knows that e-cigarettes are less harmful to health than conventional cigarettes. The perception of health risks is related to the usage of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.