Perceived Health effects of Vaping among Hungarian adult e-cigarette0only and dual users: a cross-sectional internet survey

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research article examining the perceived health effects of vaping among Hungarian adult e-cigarette-only users and dual users. The study aims to describe the characteristics of these users, assess self-reported adverse events (AEs) and changes in physiological functions after e-cigarette use initiation, and explain perceived health changes due to e-cigarette use.

Key Points:

* The study conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adult Hungarian e-cigarette users in 2015.
* The sample consisted of 1042 unique respondents who ever smoked and were current e-cigarette users (only or dual users).
* The survey included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, e-cigarette use, perceived harm of e-cigarette use, combustible cigarette use, oral hygiene, vaping-related AEs, and changes in physiological functions.
* The study found that e-cigarette-only users reported more perceived beneficial changes in physiological functions and fewer AEs than dual users.
* Perceived short-term benefits of e-cigarette use may reinforce users despite the uncertainty of long-term health consequences.
* Health professionals should provide balanced information regarding the possible short- and long-term health effects of e-cigarettes during consultations with patients.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarette-only users perceive more benefits and fewer adverse effects compared to dual users. However, the perceived short-term benefits may reinforce users' behavior despite the uncertainty of long-term health consequences. Therefore, health professionals should provide balanced information regarding the possible short- and long-term health effects of e-cigarettes during consultations with patients. It is important to note that e-cigarettes are not without negative health consequences, and their efficacy as a cessation aid remains uncertain. Further research is needed to measure e-cigarette use patterns and product characteristics that influence perceived and objective health impacts.

Abafalvi, Lilla, Melinda Pénzes, Róbert Urbán, Kristie L. Foley, Réka Kaán, Barbara Kispélyi, and Péter Hermann. “Perceived Health Effects of Vaping among Hungarian Adult E-Cigarette-Only and Dual Users: A Cross-Sectional Internet Survey.” BMC Public Health 19, no. 1 (December 2019): 302. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-6629-0.