Many young people who use e-cigarettes are unaware of what the products contain and what the potential risks are in relation to smoking. This is according to a new US study. The researchers call for clearer information to correct what they describe as widespread misconceptions - while pointing out that vaping can fulfil completely different roles depending on the age and user group.
The study was carried out by researchers at the University of North Carolina and others and published in the journal Plos One. It is based on seven focus groups with a total of 30 young people aged 14 to 20 in the United States, all with experience of using both vapes and other tobacco products.
The researchers used group interviews to explore participants' perceptions of risk, why they use the products, and what makes it difficult for them to potentially stop. The data was then analysed to identify recurring patterns.
Unsure about content and risks
The most prominent result is widespread uncertainty about the products themselves.
”Uncertainty or misconceptions about e-cigarettes were common,” the researchers write in the study. “The majority of adolescents in our study were uncertain about the relative much less harmfulness of e-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes, or believed that e-cigarettes were more harmful than cigarettes.”
Such lack of knowledge means that young users often lack a clear picture of what they are actually using, say the researchers.
Seeing cigarettes as more “natural”
Against this backdrop, the study calls for clearer action and targeted information efforts.
“Worryingly, some young people even perceived cigarettes as more ”natural” than e-cigarettes. This is because cigarettes contain natural tobacco leaves, while e-cigarettes are manufactured in laboratories.” the researchers write.
Campaigns miss out on smoking
In response to the increasing use of e-cigarettes in recent years, most tobacco prevention campaigns targeting young people have shifted their focus from smoking to e-cigarettes, the researchers note and continue:
“While these campaigns are important, there is still a need for efforts to communicate the risks of using combustible tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars. In fact, some young people in our study described trying to quit e-cigarettes by starting to smoke cigarettes instead. While no level of tobacco use is considered “safe” for young people, it is important to provide clear information about the absolute and relative harmfulness of tobacco products.” the researchers write.
Not used to quit smoking - “more social”
The study also shows that vejpning fulfils a different function for young people than for adults. Rather than being used as a smoking cessation tool, participants describe its use as being driven by social factors, habit and availability. This means that the same product can have a completely different role depending on the user group.
At the same time, the study does not emphasise how big the differences are in terms of harm risks of using vaping products compared to smoking, something that is often highlighted in research focusing on harm reduction for adult smokers, or in the nicotine market in general.
The study is relatively small and based on interviews, which means that the results are not representative of all young people. At the same time, the researchers believe that it provides a clear picture of how young users themselves reason about vejpning in relation to other nicotine products, mainly cigarettes.
