Formative research to identify perceptions of e-cigarettes in college students: Implications for future health communication campaigns

Abstract

Objective This formative study examined perceptions of e-cigarettes in college students with the goal of informing future health communication campaigns. Differences between e-cigarette users and nonusers were also examined. Participants: Thirty undergraduate students were recruited from a large southwestern public university (15 users, 15 nonusers). Methods Structured interviews were conducted and transcripts were coded for themes. Results Although users had more favorable attitudes toward e-cigarettes, both users and nonusers believed that e-cigarettes produce water vapor and reported that e-cigarettes were less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Potential health consequences and addiction concerns were the most common perceived threats for both users and nonusers. Both nonusers and users cited social stigma as a perceived disadvantage of e-cigarette use. Conclusions Ultimately, themes with particular relevance to future health communication campaigns included negative perceptions of e-cigarette users and social stigma, as well as harm perceptions and potential health consequences associated with e-cigarette use.

Overview of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Systematic Review

“…192–194,214,288,325–327,332,335,336,338,353,354,361,369,372,374,382,384,389,390,446,448,449,453–457,461–464,467,471–474,476,477,484,485,488,490,492,493,495,502,503 In the U.S. and Great Britain, this belief has eroded over time with more individuals mistakenly believing ENDS are as harmful or more harmful that cigarettes. 391,414 Studies suggest that ENDS are also perceived as less addictive than cigarettes, 367,375,403,446 tools that may help users reduce or quit smoking, 320,327,330,338,357,374,448,453,455,458,461,464,467,481,483,485,486,488,493,495,499 less expensive than cigarettes, 335,338,447,455,456,472,499 and more convenient or easier to use than cigarettes. 335,338,357,400,499 …”

“…Common ENDS concerns include the lack of research on long-term use, 397,399,436 absence of regulation, 397,399 potential harms of use, 443,464 potential to undermine other tobacco control measures, 399,401,480 and social stigma. 299,402,464,467,477 …”

Aerosol, vapor, or chemicals? College student perceptions of harm from electronic cigarettes and support for a tobacco-free campus policy

“…56 Some people seem to associate the commonly used word "vape" with harmless water vapor. 57,58 However, "aerosol," ie, solid and liquid particles suspended in gas, and "chemicals" (the composition of aerosol) are more accurate terms that may differentially communicate risk associated with exposure. The public health community more often refers to e-cigarette emissions as an "aerosol" [59][60][61] that is made up of "chemicals".…”

Attitudes, perceptions, and usage of electronic cigarettes : an exploratory investigation.

“…Both users and nonusers believed that e-cigs produce water vapor, which was also found by Case et al (2016). There is a great need for education on ingredients and chemicals found in substances that are inhaled.…”

“…A recent study found that both users and nonusers were misinformed about the ingredients in e-cig vapor (Case, Crook, Lazard, & Mackert, 2016). With e-cig prevalence increasing in recent years, these products were not included in college age students' tobacco education programs as youth, which means that views may be formed primarily from marketing information and informal channels (e.g., friends).…”