College students' perceptions of electronic cigarette risks and benefits: a concept mapping study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Health Education

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasing among young adults, surpassing traditional tobacco acceptance.
• Understanding perceptions of e-cigarette risks and benefits is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore risk and benefit perceptions of e-cigarette use among college students in Taiwan.
• To assess differences in perceptions between e-cigarette users and non-users.

Main Methods:

• Concept mapping was employed with 100 college students (50 users, 50 non-users) using the GroupWisdom™ platform.
• Data analysis involved multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses to identify perception clusters.
• Participants brainstormed, rated, and sorted perceptions related to e-cigarette use and regulations.

Main Results:

• Ten clusters of perceptions were identified, with 3 on risks, 6 on benefits, and 1 on regulations.
• Overall risk perceptions were rated higher than benefit perceptions.
• Non-users exhibited significantly higher risk perceptions and lower benefit perceptions compared to users.

Conclusions:

• Concept mapping is an effective method for understanding college student perceptions of e-cigarettes.
• Findings can guide health educators in developing targeted interventions for young adults.
• Addressing benefit perceptions may improve critical thinking regarding e-cigarette advertising.