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Weiger C, Kennedy RD, Villanti AC, Cohen JE, Moran MB. A Descriptive Analysis of Beliefs About Nicotine and Switching to Noncombustibles Among Adults Who Smoke Cigarettes and Believe Nicotine Causes Cancer. Subst Use Misuse 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39172103 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2392534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Many people who smoke cigarettes report believing that nicotine causes cancer, a misperception that may reduce interest in switching to noncombustible nicotine products. Quantitative survey questions do not capture how this population thinks about nicotine and switching to noncombustible products. Methods: This study used an online convenience sample of 193 US adults who smoke cigarettes and reported that nicotine causes cancer. Respondents were asked if they thought nicotine was harmful (and why or why not) and if they would consider switching to a noncombustible product (and why or why not). Inductive and deductive coding were used, and descriptive statistics are reported. Results: Descriptions of nicotine directly causing disease (61%) were more common than descriptions of nicotine causing addiction to a harmful product (8%). One-third expressly stated that nicotine causes cancer, and 21% that nicotine causes lung disease. Interest in switching was moderate (mean 47.4 out of 100). When asked about switching, 34% described enjoying their current smoking experience, 23% described a perceived health benefit, 16% described a health concern, and 11% worried that switching would not address nicotine addiction. Discussion: Adults who smoke commonly perceived nicotine as a direct cause of cigarette-related disease, and harm and addictiveness perceptions were often mentioned as reasons for interest or disinterest in switching to a noncombustible. Future studies could explore strategies for correcting nicotine misperception, stigma related to addiction, and common concerns related to health as well as user experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Weiger
- Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ryan D Kennedy
- Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea C Villanti
- Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joanna E Cohen
- Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meghan B Moran
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Lipperman-Kreda S, Sanders E, Annechino R, Peterkin E, Antin TMJ. Harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking among sexual and gender minority young adults. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:371-380. [PMID: 38258463 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To address gaps in existing research, the current study used a mixed-methods approach to describe, contextualise and understand harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking and associations with nicotine and tobacco (NT) use among young adults who identify their genders and sexualities in ways that classify them as sexual and gender minorities (SGM). METHODS Results are based on cross-sectional surveys and online qualitative interviews with 98 SGM young adults (18-25 years old) in California's San Francisco Bay Area who currently or formerly used combustible tobacco. We generated a measure assessing participants' relative harm perceptions of e-cigarette use versus cigarette smoking and identified those who perceived cigarette smoking as more harmful than e-cigarette use compared to those who perceived it to be equally or less harmful. RESULTS We found that relative harm perceptions of cigarette smoking versus e-cigarette use are likely related to much uncertainty and confusion about the harms of e-cigarette use. Moreover, findings illustrate that public health messages regarding the risks of e-cigarette use may have unintended consequences of increasing cigarette use to replace e-cigarette use for some SGM young adults, a practice that is incongruent with scientific evidence demonstrating that cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products are riskier than e-cigarettes and other forms of NT use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the need for evidence-based, clear, and direct messaging about the relative harms of cigarettes versus e-cigarettes to reduce NT-related inequities in SGM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Lipperman-Kreda
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, USA
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Emile Sanders
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Rachelle Annechino
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Elaina Peterkin
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Tamar M J Antin
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
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Villanti AC, Peasley-Miklus C, Mercincavage M, Mays D, Donny EC, Cappella JN, Strasser AA. Effect of nicotine corrective messaging on nicotine-related beliefs in US adults: a randomised controlled trial. Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-058252. [PMID: 37989586 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Widespread misperceptions of the health risks of nicotine could undermine the public health benefits of the Food and Drug Administration's actions, including modified risk tobacco product authorisations and a reduced nicotine product standard for cigarettes. METHODS 794 US adults (aged 18+) in NORC's AmeriSpeak panel participated in a randomised controlled trial in Spring 2021 to test the effect of three exposures to eight nicotine corrective messages (NCM) on beliefs about nicotine, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), e-cigarettes and reduced nicotine content (RNC) cigarettes at 3-month follow-up. Analyses conducted in 2022 examined the effect of study condition (NCM (n=393) vs no message control (n=401)) on nicotine beliefs, use intentions and use of nicotine and tobacco products. RESULTS Exposure to three NCM doses reduced nicotine (b=-0.33; 95% CI -0.60, -0.07), NRT (b=-0.49; 95% CI -0.85, -0.14), e-cigarette (b=-0.32; 95% CI -0.59, -0.05) and RNC cigarette false beliefs (b=-0.64; 95% CI -1.26, -0.02) compared with the control, controlling for baseline beliefs. Baseline tobacco use and concern about nicotine addiction attenuated intervention effects on false beliefs about RNC cigarettes. There were few intervention effects on intention or use of nicotine and tobacco products. CONCLUSIONS Repeated exposure to NCM was necessary to reduce false beliefs about nicotine and tobacco products. Future studies will improve understanding of the dose and duration of nicotine education needed to shift intentions and behaviour, as well as tailored content for tobacco product users to achieve similar reductions in false beliefs as non-users. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04805515.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Villanti
- Rutgers Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Catherine Peasley-Miklus
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Melissa Mercincavage
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Darren Mays
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Eric C Donny
- Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph N Cappella
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew A Strasser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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Arshad H, Jackson SE, Kock L, Ide-Walters C, Tattan-Birch H. What drives public perceptions of e-cigarettes? A mixed-methods study exploring reasons behind adults' perceptions of e-cigarettes in Northern England. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 245:109806. [PMID: 36907122 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing evidence that e-cigarettes are likely less harmful than cigarettes, perceptions of equal or more harm have increased worldwide. This study aimed to identify the most common reasons behind adults' perceptions of the (i) relative harm of e-cigarettes compared with cigarettes and (ii) effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. METHODS Adults (N = 1646) from Northern England were recruited through online panels from December-March 2017/2018, using quota sampling to guarantee socio-demographic representativeness. Qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses was performed with codes representing reasons for a given perception about e-cigarettes. Percentages of participants who gave each reason for each perception were calculated. RESULTS 823 (49.9%) participants agreed that e-cigarettes were less harmful than cigarettes, 283 (17.1%) disagreed, and 540 (32.8%) were undecided. The most common reasons for agreeing that e-cigarettes were less harmful than cigarettes were that they produce no smoke (29.8%) and fewer toxins (28.9%). Those who disagreed were most concerned about a perceived lack of trustworthy research (23.7%) and safety issues (20.8%). Lacking knowledge (50.4%) was the most common reason for being undecided. 815 (49.5%) of participants agreed that e-cigarettes were an effective smoking cessation aid, 216 (13.2%) disagreed, and 615 (37.4%) were undecided. The most common reasons participants gave for agreeing were related to e-cigarettes being successful smoking replacements (50.3%) and advice from family, friends or health professionals (20.0%). Respondents who disagreed were most concerned about e-cigarettes being addictive (34.3%) and containing nicotine (15.3%). Lacking knowledge (45.2%) was the most common reason for being undecided. CONCLUSIONS Negative perceptions of e-cigarette harm were driven by concerns about a perceived lack of research and safety issues. Adults who viewed e-cigarettes as ineffective for smoking cessation feared that they perpetuate nicotine addiction. Campaigns and guidelines that address these concerns may help promote informed perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humairah Arshad
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah E Jackson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Loren Kock
- Center on Behavior and Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, US
| | | | - Harry Tattan-Birch
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, London, UK.
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Kinchen G, Cox S, Kale D, Shahab L. Facilitators and barriers for harm reduction after first use of novel nicotine delivery devices: a qualitative investigation of cigarette smokers. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:190. [PMID: 35906688 PMCID: PMC9336076 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00874-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel nicotine delivery devices (NNDDs) are a safer alternative to combustible tobacco smoking. Understanding what factors can facilitate people who smoke to use NNDDs can inform intervention design and public health messaging. This study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers to NNDD use from the perspective of smokers without prior use, after trialling two NNDDs. METHOD UK adults who smoke combustible cigarettes (n = 11) were recruited from a larger quantitative study after trialling two NNDDs, an electronic cigarette and a heated tobacco product (order randomly allocated). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and thematically analysed, using the COM-B model of behaviour and NVivo12 pro software. RESULTS Five main themes were identified: health knowledge, availability of and accessibility to NNDD products, cost, social acceptance, and NNDD use experience. There was curiosity and interest in the uptake and use of NNDDs, but the absence of centralised product information was identified as a barrier. Other themes were related to the design and functionality of the NNDD products. For example, the e-cigarette with its low maintenance was seen as easier to use than the heated tobacco product, which offered too short a single use duration and was described as 'cumbersome'. Throat discomfort and high anticipated cost were among additional barriers identified for both product types. CONCLUSION This study highlights the need for reliable objective information on the health effects of NNDDs compared with combustible cigarettes, which could facilitate their regular use. Product adjustment such as single use duration alignment with combustible cigarette smoking duration may encourage uptake. Interventions offering opportunity for experience of NNDD use and knowledge dissemination of NNDDs could increase motivation to adopt harm reducing behaviours as demonstrated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Kinchen
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Sharon Cox
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Dimitra Kale
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT UK
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Borland R, Le Grande M, Heckman BW, Fong GT, Bickel WK, Stein JS, East KA, Hall PA, Cummings KM. The Predictive Utility of Valuing the Future for Smoking Cessation: Findings from the ITC 4 Country Surveys. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020631. [PMID: 35055452 PMCID: PMC8776177 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Delay discounting (DD) and time perspective (TP) are conceptually related constructs that are theorized as important determinants of the pursuit of future outcomes over present inclinations. This study explores their predictive relationships for smoking cessation. Methods: 5006 daily smokers at a baseline wave provided 6710 paired observations of quitting activity between two waves. Data are from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) smoking and vaping surveys with samples from the USA, Canada, England, and Australia, across three waves conducted in 2016, 2018 and 2020. Smokers were assessed for TP and DD, plus smoking-specific predictors at one wave of cessation outcomes defined as either making a quit attempt and/or success among those who tried to quit which was ascertained at the subsequent survey wave. Results: TP and DD were essentially uncorrelated. TP predicted making quit attempts, both on its own and controlling for other potential predictors but was negatively associated with quit success. By contrast, DD was not related to making quit attempts, but high DD predicted relapse. The presence of financial stress at baseline resulted in some moderation of effects. Conclusions: Understanding the mechanisms of action of TP and DD can advance our understanding of, and ability to enhance, goal-directed behavioural change. TP appears to contribute to future intention formation, but not necessarily practical thought of how to achieve goals. DD is more likely an index of capacity to effectively generate competing future possibilities in response to immediate gratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Borland
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Michael Le Grande
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia;
| | - Bryan W. Heckman
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (B.W.H.); (K.M.C.)
- Center for the Study of Social Determinants of Health, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Geoffrey T. Fong
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; (K.A.E.); (P.A.H.)
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Warren K. Bickel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (W.K.B.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Jeff S. Stein
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (W.K.B.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Katherine A. East
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; (K.A.E.); (P.A.H.)
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Peter A. Hall
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; (K.A.E.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Kenneth Michael Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (B.W.H.); (K.M.C.)
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King B, Borland R, Morphett K, Gartner C, Fielding K, O'Connor RJ, Romijnders K, Talhout R. 'It's all the other stuff!' How smokers understand (and misunderstand) chemicals in cigarettes and cigarette smoke. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:777-796. [PMID: 33627027 DOI: 10.1177/0963662521991351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many people understand chemicals as entities that do not occur naturally, and which are also invariably toxic. Tobacco control messages liberally use the term 'chemicals' to evoke these meanings and create concern among smokers. This may reinforce misunderstandings, potentially leading to smokers making harmful choices. To investigate smokers' understandings of chemicals, we conducted qualitative research using 18 individual interviews and three focus groups with Australian smokers and recently quit smokers. The research was guided by the 'mental models' framework and the recently developed Context, Executive, and Operational Systems theory. We discerned two clusters of mental models: the first cluster focused on combustion as the overarching cause of harm (and were largely consistent with the science) and the second cluster focused on additives as causes of harm. We found most participants displayed limited knowledge of the causes of harm from smoking and some held mutually incompatible beliefs. Most participants believed that cigarettes differ significantly in harmfulness according to whether or not they were believed to contain additives. Only a minority understood that the bulk of the toxicants to which smokers are exposed are combustion products. These findings are directly relevant to tobacco control but also have broader relevance to risk communications about toxic exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Reinskje Talhout
- Rijks Instituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM) (National Institute for Public Health and Environment), The Netherlands
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Monzón J, Islam F, Mus S, Thrasher JF, Barnoya J. Effects of tobacco product type and characteristics on appeal and perceived harm: Results from a discrete choice experiment among Guatemalan adolescents. Prev Med 2021; 148:106590. [PMID: 33930431 PMCID: PMC8645268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Guatemala is one of the few countries where both heated tobacco products (HTPs) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) remain unregulated. We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) administered to 2038 high school students to assess how tobacco product attributes influence their appeal among Guatemalan adolescents. Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate 4 of 32 contrasting sets, each containing 3 packs (1 of each product type). Experimental manipulations included: product type, brand, nicotine content and flavor. Participants then indicated which product they were most and least interested in trying and would be most and least harmful to their health. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of product characteristics on choice. Product type accounted for almost 90% of variation in choices. Respondents were less interested in trying HTPs (B = -0.93; p < 0.001) and viewed them as more harmful (B = 2.77; p < 0.001) compared to cigarettes. They were more interested in trying e-cigarettes (B = 1.22; p < 0.001), which were also perceived as less harmful (B = -1.47; p < 0.001) compared to cigarettes. Products without nicotine were of more interest for trying (B = 0.14; p < 0.001) and perceived as more harmful (B = 0.20; p < 0.001) than those with. Students were more interested in trying a flavor compared to regular tobacco and among the flavors, berry was the highest rated one (B = 0.28; p < 0.001). Finally, in this country with weak tobacco control, e-cigarettes appear to be more appealing and perceived as less harmful than HTPs and cigarettes. Packaging and flavoring regulations are urgently needed on these products as they are a marketing strategy targeting adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Monzón
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IECIS), Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Farahnaz Islam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sophia Mus
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IECIS), Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - James F Thrasher
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Joaquin Barnoya
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (IECIS), Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala City, Guatemala; Unidad de Cirugía Cardiovascular de Guatemala (UNICAR), Guatemala City, Guatemala.
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Pacek LR, Holloway AD, Cropsey KL, Meade CS, Sweitzer MM, Davis JM, Joseph McClernon F. Experiences With Smoking Cessation Attempts and Prior Use of Cessation Aids in Smokers With HIV: Findings From a Focus Group Study Conducted in Durham, North Carolina. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2021; 33:158-168. [PMID: 33821680 PMCID: PMC8158019 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2021.33.2.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking remains disproportionately prevalent and is increasingly a cause of death and disability among people with HIV (PWH). Many PWH are interested in quitting, but interest in and uptake of first-line smoking cessation pharmacotherapies are varied in this population. To provide current data regarding experiences with and perceptions of smoking cessation and cessation aids among PWH living in Durham, North Carolina, the authors conducted five focus group interviews (total n = 24; 96% African American) using semistructured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Major themes included ambivalence and/or lack of interest in cessation; presence of cessation barriers; perceived perceptions of ineffectiveness of cessation aids; perceived medication side effects; and conflation of the harms resulting from use of tobacco products and nicotine replacement therapy. Innovative and effective interventions must account for the aforementioned multiple barriers to cessation as well as prior experiences with and misperceptions regarding cessation aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Pacek
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Alicia D Holloway
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Karen L Cropsey
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Christina S Meade
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Maggie M Sweitzer
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - James M Davis
- Duke University School of Medicine, General Internal Medicine, and the Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | - F Joseph McClernon
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
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10
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Dobbie F, Uny I, Jackson SE, Brown J, Aveyard P, Bauld L. Vaping for weight control: Findings from a qualitative study. Addict Behav Rep 2020; 12:100275. [PMID: 32637557 PMCID: PMC7330875 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smokers have expressed concern about weight gain once they stop smoking and weight gain is a risk factor associated with smoking relapse. Nicotine in e-cigarettes, as well as vaping behaviour, may support smoking cessation by reducing weight gain. This study explored the factors that influence attitudes towards, and awareness of, e-cigarettes and weight control post smoking cessation. METHODS Qualitative study involving focus groups with adults in the UK (n = 58) who were either exclusive vapers or dual users. RESULTS There was limited awareness and/or inclination to vape to prevent weight gain after stopping smoking. Reasons for this centred on: the health gains of stopping smoking outweighing any potential weight gain; a lack of understanding of the appetite supressing effects of nicotine; a belief that vaping could not suppress appetite like a cigarette and could result in craving for certain flavours; concerns about the longer-term effects of e-cigarettes on health and the ethics of promoting vaping as way to support smoking cessation by limiting weight gain, especially for young women. CONCLUSION Participants in this study do not appear inclined to use e-cigarettes to prevent weight gain after smoking cessation. There is a lack of understanding about why nicotine might help prevent weight gain and a concern that e-cigarette flavours could provoke cravings and that vaping may be unsafe in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Dobbie
- Usher Institute and SPECTRUM Consortium, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Isabelle Uny
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, UK
| | - Sarah E. Jackson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health and SPECTRUM Consortium, University College London, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health and SPECTRUM Consortium, University College London, UK
| | - Paul Aveyard
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Linda Bauld
- Usher Institute and SPECTRUM Consortium, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
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11
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Guillory J, Kim AE, Fiacco L, Cress M, Pepper J, Nonnemaker J. An Experimental Study of Nicotine Warning Statements in E-cigarette Tweets. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:814-821. [PMID: 30820571 PMCID: PMC7171270 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntz029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is unclear whether warnings on electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) advertisements required by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will apply to social media. Given the key role of social media in marketing e-cigarettes, we seek to inform FDA decision making by exploring how warnings on various tweet content influence perceived healthiness, nicotine harm, likelihood to try e-cigarettes, and warning recall. METHODS In this 2 × 4 between-subjects experiment participants viewed a tweet from a fictitious e-cigarette brand. Four tweet content versions (e-cigarette product, e-cigarette use, e-cigarette in social context, unrelated content) were crossed with two warning versions (absent, present). Adult e-cigarette users (N = 994) were recruited via social media ads to complete a survey and randomized to view one of eight tweets. Multivariable regressions explored effects of tweet content and warning on perceived healthiness, perceived harm, and likelihood to try e-cigarettes, and tweet content on warning recall. Covariates were tobacco and social media use and demographics. RESULTS Tweets with warnings elicited more negative health perceptions of the e-cigarette brand than tweets without warnings (p < .05). Tweets featuring e-cigarette products (p < .05) or use (p < .001) elicited higher warning recall than tweets featuring unrelated content. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to examine warning effects on perceptions of e-cigarette social media marketing. Warnings led to more negative e-cigarette health perceptions, but no effect on perceived nicotine harm or likelihood to try e-cigarettes. There were differences in warning recall by tweet content. Research should explore how varying warning content (text, size, placement) on tweets from e-cigarette brands influences health risk perceptions. IMPLICATIONS FDA's 2016 ruling requires warnings on advertisements for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, but does not specify whether this applies to social media. This study is the first to examine how e-cigarette warnings in tweets influence perceived healthiness and harm of e-cigarettes, which is important because e-cigarette brands are voluntarily including warnings on Twitter and Instagram. Warnings influenced perceived healthiness of the e-cigarette brand, but not perceived nicotine harm or likelihood to try e-cigarettes. We also saw higher recall of warning statements for tweets featuring e-cigarettes. Findings suggest that expanding warning requirements to e-cigarette social media marketing warrants further exploration and FDA consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annice E Kim
- Center for Health Policy Science and Tobacco Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Leah Fiacco
- Center for Health Policy Science and Tobacco Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Margaret Cress
- Center for Health Policy Science and Tobacco Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Jessica Pepper
- Center for Health Policy Science and Tobacco Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - James Nonnemaker
- Center for Health Policy Science and Tobacco Research, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
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King B, Borland R, Yong HH, Gartner C, Hammond D, Lewandowsky S, O'Connor R. Understandings of the component causes of harm from cigarette smoking in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2019; 38:807-817. [PMID: 31691407 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS To investigate relationships between smoking-related behaviours and knowledge of the disease risks of smoking and the causes of smoking harms, using a four-way division of 'component causes': nicotine, other substances found in unburned tobacco, combustion products of tobacco and additives. DESIGN AND METHODS The data were collected using an on-line survey in Australia with 1047 participants in three groups; young non-smokers (18 to 25), young smokers (18 to 25) and older smokers (26 and above). RESULTS Most participants agreed that cancer and heart disease are major risks of smoking but only a quarter accurately quantified the mortality risk of lifetime daily smoking. Very few (two of 1047) correctly estimated the relative contributions of all four component causes. Post-hoc analyses reinterpreting responses as expressions of relative concern about combustion products and nicotine showed that 29% of participants rated combustion products above nicotine. We delineated six relative concern segments, most of which had distinctive patterns of beliefs and actions. However, higher levels of concern about combustion products were only weakly positively associated with harm reducing beliefs and actions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Most smokers do not appear to understand the risks of smoking and their causes well enough to be able to think systematically about the courses of action open to them to reduce their health risk. To facilitate informed decision-making, tobacco control communicators may need to better balance the dual aims of creating fear/negative affect about smoking and imparting knowledge about the health harms and their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill King
- Cancer Council Victoria and School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ron Borland
- Cancer Council Victoria and School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hua-Hie Yong
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Coral Gartner
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Herston University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland and Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Stephan Lewandowsky
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard O'Connor
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, USA
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