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The Role of Knowledge and Risk Beliefs in Adolescent E-Cigarette Use: A Pilot Study

Author

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  • Jacob A. Rohde

    (School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carroll Hall, CB 3365, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Seth M. Noar

    (School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carroll Hall, CB 3365, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
    Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Casey Horvitz

    (Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Allison J. Lazard

    (School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carroll Hall, CB 3365, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Jennifer Cornacchione Ross

    (Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA)

  • Erin L. Sutfin

    (Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA)

Abstract

The use of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices among adolescents is an urgent public health problem due to the concern about adolescent exposure to nicotine. This study examined: (1) adolescents’ knowledge and beliefs about e-cigarette risks; and (2) whether knowledge and risk beliefs were associated with e-cigarette use. N = 69 adolescents completed a cross-sectional survey about e-cigarette knowledge, attitudes (i.e., risk beliefs), and behavior (KAB). Nearly half (47%) of the sample reported ever using e-cigarettes. The majority of adolescents knew about many of the risks of e-cigarettes, with no differences between never- and ever-users. However, risk beliefs, such as worrying about health risks of using e-cigarettes, varied across groups. Compared to never-users, e-cigarette ever-users were significantly less likely to worry about e-cigarette health risks, less likely to think that e-cigarettes would cause them negative health consequences, and less likely to believe that e-cigarette use would lead to addiction. In a multivariable logistic regression, prior combustible cigarette use, mother’s education, and addiction risk beliefs about e-cigarettes emerged as significant predictors of adolescents’ e-cigarette use. This study reveals that while knowledge is not associated with adolescent e-cigarette use, risk beliefs do predict use.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob A. Rohde & Seth M. Noar & Casey Horvitz & Allison J. Lazard & Jennifer Cornacchione Ross & Erin L. Sutfin, 2018. "The Role of Knowledge and Risk Beliefs in Adolescent E-Cigarette Use: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:4:p:830-:d:142617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Choi, K. & Forster, J., 2013. "Characteristics associated with awareness, perceptions, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems among young US Midwestern adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(3), pages 556-561.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jinyung Kim & Serim Lee & JongSerl Chun, 2022. "An International Systematic Review of Prevalence, Risk, and Protective Factors Associated with Young People’s E-Cigarette Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-23, September.
    2. Olivia A. Wackowski & Jennah M. Sontag & David Hammond & Richard J. O’Connor & Pamela A. Ohman-Strickland & Andrew A. Strasser & Andrea C. Villanti & Cristine D. Delnevo, 2019. "The Impact of E-Cigarette Warnings, Warning Themes and Inclusion of Relative Harm Statements on Young Adults’ E-Cigarette Perceptions and Use Intentions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Donghee N. Lee & Elise M. Stevens, 2022. "Message Source Credibility and E-Cigarette Harm Perceptions among Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-12, July.

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