How Social Care Beneficiaries in Poland Rate Relative Harmfulness of Various Tobacco and Nicotine-Containing Products

Introduction:
This article discusses a study examining how social care beneficiaries in Poland perceive the relative harmfulness of various tobacco and nicotine-containing products compared to traditional cigarettes. The study's findings are crucial for developing effective tobacco control strategies targeting disadvantaged populations.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed 1817 social care beneficiaries in the Piotrkowski district of Poland.
* Participants were asked to rate the relative harmfulness of slim cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, water pipes, and e-cigarettes compared to traditional cigarettes.
* Men consider slim cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes to be more harmful than traditional cigarettes.
* Smokers of traditional cigarettes perceive menthol cigarettes to be less harmful than non-smokers.
* Social care beneficiaries are not well-informed about the relative harmfulness of different tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
* Education about tobacco and nicotine products should include advice on reducing adverse health effects and clarify that no nicotine-containing products are safe.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for better education and awareness about the relative harmfulness of tobacco and nicotine-containing products among disadvantaged populations. Effective tobacco control strategies should consider the unique needs and perceptions of these groups to reduce tobacco use and related health disparities.

Milcarz, Marek, Kinga Polańska, Leokadia Bak-Romaniszyn, and Dorota Kaleta. “How Social Care Beneficiaries in Poland Rate Relative Harmfulness of Various Tobacco and Nicotine-Containing Products.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 9 (September 7, 2017): 1029. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14091029.