ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The perception that ecigarettes are less harmful than traditional tobacco products can influence the consumption of ecigarettes. OBJECTIVES: Three questions were examined: (1) How do different population groups perceive health risks of ecigarettes? (2) Do sociodemographic variables explain differences in the risk assessment of ecigarettes? (3) Does the perception of health risks predict the use of ecigarettes for smoking cessation? METHODS: Data came from the 2015 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) with a sample size of nâ¯= 9204 participants, aged 18 to 64 years (response rate 52.2%). Data were collected by telephone, online, or by written questionnaires. Assessments of risk perception of ecigarettes and conventional cigarettes (more harmful, just as harmful, less harmful, do not know) were compared. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: Individuals with lower education rated ecigarettes as more harmful. Older people and women perceived ecigarettes as just as harmful. Smokers considered ecigarettes to be more harmful than or just as harmful as conventional tobacco products. The likelihood of using ecigarettes for smoking cessation was higher if people thought they were less harmful than conventional cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Only one-third of the population knows that ecigarettes are less harmful to health than conventional cigarettes. The perception of health risks is related to the usage of ecigarettes for smoking cessation.