Examining e-cigarette perspectives before and after the EVALI peak in cases.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Youth e-cigarette use has surged, with media highlighting e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
• Understanding adult perceptions of e-cigarettes is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess U.S. adult perceptions of e-cigarettes before and after the peak of EVALI cases.
• To identify changes in attitudes towards e-cigarettes in response to public health concerns.

Main Methods:

• Two online surveys were conducted with separate U.S. adult samples in July 2019 (n=521) and October 2019 (n=536).
• Participants described their perceptions of e-cigarettes, including appeal, comparison to tobacco products, and perceived harms.

Main Results:

• Fewer participants found e-cigarettes appealing (smell, flavor, taste) in the post-EVALI period (Time 2).
• Awareness of e-cigarette harms increased, with a higher percentage describing potential harms in Time 2.
• Participants in Time 2 less frequently viewed e-cigarettes as a favorable alternative to traditional cigarettes.

Conclusions:

• Adult perceptions of e-cigarettes shifted post-EVALI, with increased awareness of harms and decreased appeal.
• Findings are vital for informing future public health campaigns and policies regarding e-cigarette use.