Content Analysis of US News Stories About E-Cigarettes in 2015

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a content analysis of US news stories about e-cigarettes in 2015. The analysis aimed to describe the frequency of various e-cigarette topics in news articles, the frequency with which e-cigarette benefits and risks were discussed, and the source to which these risks and benefits were attributed. The study is relevant for understanding the portrayal of e-cigarettes in the US news media and its potential impact on public perceptions and policy.

Key Points:

* The study analyzed 295 articles from the top 30 circulating newspapers, 4 newswires, and 4 online news sources in the US.
* The analysis found that nearly half of the articles (45.1%) focused primarily on e-cigarette policy/regulatory issues.
* E-cigarette prevalence (21.0%) and health effects (21.7%) were common main topics.
* Concerns about youth and the rise in youth e-cigarette use (45.4%) were frequently mentioned.
* News articles more frequently discussed potential e-cigarette risks or concerns (80%) than benefits (45.4%).
* Statements about e-cigarettes' potential risks were frequently attributed to trusted sources such as physicians.
* The coverage may impact e-cigarette risk perceptions, use intentions, and policy support.

Main Message:
The study highlights the dominant role of e-cigarette policy/regulatory issues in US news stories about e-cigarettes in 2015. The concern about youth e-cigarette use was a common theme, and news articles more frequently discussed potential e-cigarette risks/concerns compared to potential harm-reduction benefits relative to tobacco cigarettes. The coverage may contribute to increasing perceptions that e-cigarettes are as harmful as tobacco cigarettes, which could impact e-cigarette risk and benefit statements made by or attributed to researchers and physicians in articles. Overall, the study underscores the importance of monitoring and analyzing e-cigarette news coverage and its potential impact on public perceptions and policy.

Wackowski, Olivia A, Daniel P Giovenco, Binu Singh, M Jane Lewis, Michael B Steinberg, and Cristine D Delnevo. “Content Analysis of US News Stories About E-Cigarettes in 2015.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 20, no. 8 (July 9, 2018): 1015–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntx170.