Patient Perception of Vaping in the Midst of the Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Product associated Lung Injury (EVaLI) Epidemic.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study investigating patient perception of vaping in the midst of the EVaLI (Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Product associated Lung Injury) epidemic. The study surveyed adult patients at various clinics at the University of Missouri to understand their views on the safety and regulation of electronic cigarettes.

Key Points:
- The study found that 81.5% of respondents reported that e-cigarettes are unsafe, and 73.2% did not feel that the absence of ThC oils or vitamin E acetate made e-cigarettes safer.
- 55.1% of participants felt that e-cigarettes are less safe than traditional cigarettes, and 76% felt that e-cigarettes/vaping products should be more regulated.
- Most surprisingly, 67.6% of participants knew somebody who was negatively affected by EVaLI.
- The survey responses suggest that the current EVaLI epidemic is changing the public's perception and narrative surrounding the safety of e-cigarettes and vaping products.
- The study's sample size was 287 completed surveys, which may limit the external validity of the findings outside of the mid-Missouri region.
- The survey questions were designed to assess perceptions surrounding EVaLI and e-cigarettes, but additional questions would have provided more insight.
- The study cannot confirm that perceptions surrounding EVaLI are directly the result of new information brought to light in the literature.

Main Message:
The main message of the text is that the EVaLI epidemic has significantly impacted patient perception of vaping, with a majority of respondents viewing e-cigarettes as unsafe, less safe than traditional cigarettes, and in need of further regulation. The study's findings suggest that increased media attention, public education, and new information regarding the significant health risks surrounding e-cigarettes have contributed to this shift in perception. The text emphasizes the importance of continued patient education regarding the health hazards of vaping and further regulation of vaping-related products, especially in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Patel T, Karle E, Gubeladze T, Pentecost G, Krvavac a. Patient Perception of Vaping in the Midst of the Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Product associated Lung Injury (EVaLI) Epidemic. Missouri medicine. 2020;117(3):265-270.