The association between perceived e-cigarette and nicotine addictiveness, information-seeking, and e-cigarette trial among U.S. adults

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of data from the 2015 Health Information National Trends Survey-FDA (HINTS-FDA) to explore the associations between perceived e-cigarette harm, perceived e-cigarette addictiveness, nicotine perceptions, e-cigarette information-seeking, and personal Internet use with trying e-cigarettes among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. The study aims to identify factors associated with e-cigarette use behavior and inform regulatory efforts.

Key Points:

* The study uses data from the HINTS-FDA 2015 survey, which had a 33% response rate.
* The sample includes 3195 respondents, after excluding 543 participants without information on trying e-cigarettes or smoking status.
* Perceived e-cigarette addictiveness, e-cigarette information-seeking, and personal Internet use were significantly associated with trying e-cigarettes.
* The belief that e-cigarettes are less addictive than combusted cigarettes is associated with trying e-cigarettes.
* Around one-third of participants responded "Don't know" to the e-cigarette harm and addictiveness questions.
* Nicotine perceptions were not associated with trying e-cigarettes, suggesting a lack of awareness that e-cigarettes typically contain nicotine.
* Among non-smokers, those with at least a college degree had lower odds of trying e-cigarettes compared to those with less than a college degree.
* Exploratory models suggest the impact of perceived addictiveness on behavior may be similar for both smokers and non-smokers.

Main Message:
The study highlights the significance of perceived addictiveness in e-cigarette use behavior, indicating that public health practitioners should focus on educating the public about nicotine and addiction in e-cigarettes. The findings also suggest that e-cigarette marketing strategies may influence consumer information-seeking and beliefs about e-cigarettes. As regulatory oversight of e-cigarettes expands, it is crucial to consider these factors in developing effective public health messages and regulatory measures.

Wiseman, Kara P., Katherine A. Margolis, Jennifer K. Bernat, and Rachel A. Grana. “The Association between Perceived E-Cigarette and Nicotine Addictiveness, Information-Seeking, and e-Cigarette Trial among U.S. Adults.” Preventive Medicine 118 (January 2019): 66–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2018.10.003.