Time-Varying Determinants of Changes in E-Cigarette Relative harm Perception among US Young adults.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the time-varying determinants of e-cigarette relative harm perception over a ve-year period among US young adults. The study uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study from 2013-2018. The results of this study can be crucial for tailored interventions designed to reduce e-cigarette use without lessening the benets of e-cigarettes to those smokers who are interested in smoking cessation.

Key Points:

* The study used data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study from 2013-2018.
* The analysis was conducted using a time-varying effect model (TVEM) to examine the association between the relative harm perception change and the associated time-varying predictors.
* The prevalence of those who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes decreased from 50.3% in Wave 1 (2013-2014) to 27.7% in Wave 4 (2016-2018).
* Young adults who were male, had advanced degrees, had non-combustible smoke-free home rules, held negative tobacco-related attitudes, and were current e-cigarette users or ever used alcohol were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes over time.
* Changes in e-cigarette relative harm perception were less noticeable among those with advanced degrees, who had non-combustible smoke-free home rules, who held negative tobacco-related attitudes, and those who were current e-cigarette users or ever used alcohol.
* The study findings underscore the importance of risk communication that focuses on harm perception proles and the need for appropriate interventions to balance the considerations of e-cigarette use among young adults.

Main Message:
The study found a decline in US young adults who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes from 2013 to 2018. The changes in relative harm perception were less pronounced among males, individuals with advanced degrees, those who had non-combustible smoke-free home rules, those with negative tobacco-related attitudes, and those who were current e-cigarette users or had ever used alcohol. The study highlights the need for appropriate interventions that balance the considerations of e-cigarette use among young adults, taking into account their harm perception profiles. The findings can be crucial for tailored interventions designed to reduce e-cigarette use without lessening the benets of e-cigarettes to those smokers who are interested in smoking cessation.

Li W, Osibogun O. Time-Varying Determinants of Changes in E-Cigarette Relative harm Perception among US Young adults. International journal of behavioral medicine. Published online May 15, 2023. doi:10.1007/s12529-023-10181-2