Abstract P087: Youth Tobacco Users Perceive Less E-Cig Harm

Introduction: In Appalachia, youth tobacco use rates exceed the national average, and youth in these rural areas are increasingly aware of new and emerging tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes. Given that e-cigarettes are a commonly used tobacco product by youth, additional inquiry is needed to better understand both youth product perceptions and use patterns, especially in communities with entrenched acceptance of tobacco. Study Aim and Hypothesis: Our aim is to examine the prevalence of conventional tobacco and e-cigarette use among Appalachian youth and to examine associations between use and tobacco harm perceptions. We hypothesized that conventional tobacco users would be less likely than non-users to perceive e-cigarette use as harmful and that e-cigarette users would be less likely than non-users to perceive e-cigarette use as harmful. Methods: A survey of middle and high school students (n=1,008) was conducted in rural Appalachia. The primary outcome in this analysis, tobacco use, was categorized as never user, conventional tobacco only user (cigarettes or smokeless), or e-cigarette only user. Descriptive characteristics were compared among the three use groups. Relationships between harm perceptions and tobacco product use were assessed using multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, race, gender, and grade level. Results: Nearly one-fourth (23%) of the participants had tried e-cigarettes. Compared to never users, conventional users were more likely to indicate that e-cigarettes did not cause: (1) health problems (OR: 1.65; CI: 1.075-2.521) or (2) addiction (OR: 1.63; CI: 1.064-2.496). Youth who indicated e-cigarettes do not cause health problems were more likely to be e-cigarette users than non-e-cigarette users (OR: 2.04, CI: 1.460-2.838), and youth who indicated smoking does not cause addiction were more likely to be conventional users than never or e-cigarette only users (OR: 1.96; CI: 1.181-3.262). Conclusions: In summary, youth who use conventional tobacco products or e-cigarettes are less likely to perceive e-cigarettes as harmful. These findings reinforce the need for vigilance in restricting youth access to tobacco products, increased emphasis on health campaigns that clarify scientific uncertainty surrounding tobacco safety, and regulation of e-cigarette marketing that targets youth.