Do Young People Perceive E-Cigarettes and heated Tobacco as Less harmful Than Traditional Cigarettes? a Survey from Poland.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study that examines the perception of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products among young people in Poland. The study aims to determine the prevalence of these perceptions and the factors that are positively correlated with them. The results of the study can be useful for public health professionals and policymakers in developing educational interventions and regulations related to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Key Points:

* The study is based on a large cross-sectional survey of over 12,000 adolescents in Poland.
* The survey collected data on the participants' demographics, smoking status, exposure to tobacco advertising, and perception of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
* The results showed that over half of the participants perceived e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
* The perception of these products as less harmful was higher among older adolescents, males, those who used these products, had a family member who used e-cigarettes/heated tobacco products, and those who were exposed to tobacco advertising.
* The study also found that having ever used e-cigarettes is related to perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful than traditional cigarettes, which may be a predictor of more frequent use.
* Parental e-cigarette use was linked to a higher risk of perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful, suggesting that parental use may increase the likelihood of young people using e-cigarettes.
* Exposure to tobacco advertising was associated with a higher risk of perceiving e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as less harmful, highlighting the potential impact of advertising on young people's perceptions and behaviors.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding young people's perceptions of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, as these perceptions are associated with the use of these products. The results suggest that educational interventions should inform young people that while e-cigarettes typically contain fewer chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they are not harmless. It is also important to address the impact of social factors, such as parental use and exposure to tobacco advertising, on young people's perceptions and behaviors. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products among young people.

Wężyk-Caba I, Kaleta D, Zajdel R, Balwicki Ł, Świątkowska B. Do Young People Perceive E-Cigarettes and heated Tobacco as Less harmful Than Traditional Cigarettes? a Survey from Poland. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2022;19(22). doi:10.3390/ijerph192214632