Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study comparing young adults to older adults in their perceptions and motivations for using e-cigarettes. The study aims to inform health communication and educational efforts regarding e-cigarette use.
Key Points:
* The study conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of e-cigarette users.
* Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and document themes.
* E-cigarettes were most commonly used for smoking cessation among both age groups.
* Young adults described other motivations for use including doing smoke tricks, consuming a wide variety of flavors, and helping them study.
* Some interviewees believed e-cigarettes were a healthy alternative to conventional cigarettes, while many other users expressed concerns about the unknown risks of e-cigarettes.
* Findings were generally consistent across both age groups in their perceptions of harm from e-cigarettes and in subjective effects such as perceived addictiveness.
* Health messaging targeted to young adults should emphasize the potential health risks of e-cigarette use and recognize their distinct motivational aspects.
Main Message:
The study highlights the need for targeted health messaging regarding e-cigarette use, particularly for young adults who may have unique motivations for using e-cigarettes. Emphasizing the potential health risks and addressing the motivational aspects of e-cigarette use can help inform and educate users about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes.
Citation
Cooper, Maria, Melissa B. Harrell, and Cheryl L. Perry. “Comparing Young Adults to Older Adults in E-Cigarette Perceptions and Motivations for Use: Implications for Health Communication: Table I.” Health Education Research 31, no. 4 (August 2016): 429–38. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cyw030.
