Changes in harm perception of ENDS and their predictors among US adolescents: findings from the population assessment of tobacco and health (PaTh) study, 2013-2018.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining changes in harm perception of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and their predictors among US adolescents using data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study from 2013-2018.

Key Points:

* The study found that perception of ENDS as less harmful than cigarettes significantly decreased from 54.3% at Wave 1 to 30.4% at Wave 4.
* Perception of ENDS as no or little harm decreased from 35.9% at Wave 1 to 16.9% at Wave 4.
* Changes in harm perception were less robust among males, adolescents who did not have positive tobacco-related attitudes, and those with smoke-free home rules.
* having ever used ENDS or alcohol were more likely to be associated with reduced ENDS-related harm perception over time.
* The study suggests that while ENDS-related harm perception has generally increased, this does not appear to be equally experienced across all adolescents.
* The findings can help identify individuals at risk of ENDS initiation because of their favorable ENDS harm perception profile, as well as guide the development of ENDS risk communication interventions for adolescents.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding changes in harm perception of ENDS among US adolescents and the need to identify at-risk groups and targets for intervention. The findings can inform regulatory measures and interventions aimed at reducing teen ENDS use and minimizing the potential health risks associated with ENDS use.

Li W, Osibogun O, Li T, Sutherland MT, Maziak W. Changes in harm perception of ENDS and their predictors among US adolescents: findings from the population assessment of tobacco and health (PaTh) study, 2013-2018. Preventive medicine. 2022;155:106957. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.106957