Differences in young adults’ perceptions of e-cigarettes by history of use.

Introduction:
This article reports a study examining the perceptions of e-cigarettes among college students with different histories of e-cigarette use. The study aimed to understand the differences in their views on the safety, popularity, health risks, social acceptability, efficacy as a cessation aid, and the potential of e-cigarettes to promote combustible cigarette use. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for public health campaigns targeting college students.

Key Points:

* The study included 337 undergraduate students divided into three groups: Never Users (n = 178), Ever Users (n = 108), and Current Users (n = 51).
* Participants completed questionnaires to rate their perceptions of e-cigarettes on various aspects, including safety, health risks, social acceptability, and cessation aid.
* Current Users believed e-cigarettes were safer, healthier, a useful tool to quit smoking, did not lead to combustible cigarette smoking, and that nicotine was less dangerous compared to Ever and Never Users.
* Current Users were less likely to endorse boosting social image as a motive for use compared to Never Users.
* There were significant group differences for race, with White participants more likely to be in the Current Users group, and Black/african american participants and those from all other racial backgrounds less likely to be in the Current Users group.
* The study's findings suggest that current e-cigarette users hold more positive beliefs about the safety of e-cigarettes and nicotine, which likely motivates continued e-cigarette use and increases the risk not only for negative health consequences related to use but also for initiation of combustible cigarette use.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that public health campaigns could benefit from targeting current users' positive beliefs about e-cigarettes to reduce the prevalence of e-cigarette use among college students. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the positive views of current e-cigarette users regarding the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a cessation aid. By targeting these beliefs, public health campaigns can promote awareness of e-cigarette health risks and potentially decrease prevalence rates.

McLeish aC, hart JL, Wood La, Walker KL. Differences in young adults’ perceptions of e-cigarettes by history of use. Journal of american college health : J of aCh. Published online July 26, 2022:1-5. doi:10.1080/07448481.2022.2103375