Summary
Introduction:
This text presents the results of a longitudinal study examining the relationship between perceived harm of e-cigarettes and product-switching among adult dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in the United States. The study aims to understand if the perception of e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes influences the likelihood of switching to exclusive e-cigarette use or remaining a dual user. The findings provide valuable insights for regulators and policymakers regarding the potential role of harm perceptions in shaping product use behaviors.
Key Points:
* The study uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study, focusing on waves 2 and 3, collected approximately one year apart.
* The analytical sample includes 2211 dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes who reported their perceived relative harm of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes at wave 2 and their product use status at wave 3.
* The perceived relative harm of e-cigarettes was categorized as 'less harmful', 'about the same', 'more harmful', or 'don't know'.
* The primary outcome variables were the four potential product use statuses measured approximately one year later: exclusive e-cigarette use, exclusive cigarette smoking, dual use of both product types, and non-use of both product types.
* Results indicate that dual users who perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes at wave 2 were more likely to become exclusive e-cigarette users or remain dual users at wave 3, and less likely to switch to exclusive cigarette smoking.
* The study also found that dual users' perceptions of e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes became less prevalent between waves 2 and 3.
* Sensitivity analyses were conducted, and the results remained consistent with the main findings.
Main Message:
The study suggests that perceived harm of e-cigarettes plays a significant role in product-switching among adult dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Dual users who perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes are more likely to switch to exclusive e-cigarette use or continue dual use, and less likely to switch to exclusive cigarette smoking. These findings emphasize the importance of considering harm perceptions in regulatory and public health efforts targeting dual users, as addressing misperceptions may encourage more dual users to switch to exclusive e-cigarette use or quit tobacco products entirely.
Citation
Persoskie a, O’Brien EK, Poonai K. Perceived relative harm of using e-cigarettes predicts future product switching among US adult cigarette and e-cigarette dual users. addiction (abingdon, England). 2019;114(12):2197-2205. doi:10.1111/add.14730
