Racial/ethnic differences in electronic cigarette knowledge, social norms, and risk perceptions among current and former smokers. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webb Hooper, Monica; Kolar, Stephanie K.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 67(2017)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: E-cigarette -- Smoking -- Risk perceptions -- Knowledge -- Race/ethnicity; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.12.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Psychosocial factors that may affect electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) initiation or maintenance among racial/ethnic minorities are not well-understood. This study examined racial/ethnic differences in e-cigarette knowledge, risk perceptions, and social norms among current and former smokers. Individuals with a tobacco smoking history and an awareness of e-cigarettes (N = 285) were recruited from the community from June to August 2014. Telephone-administered surveys assessed demographics, smoking status, and e-cigarette knowledge, risk perceptions, and normative beliefs. Analyses of covariance and multinomial logistic regression tested associations by race/ethnicity. Controlling for sociodemographics and smoking status, White participants scored significantly higher on e-cigarette knowledge, compared to both Hispanics and African Americans/Blacks. Knowledge was lower among African Americans/Blacks compared to Hispanics. Compared to both Whites and Hispanics, African American/Black participants held lower perceptions regarding e-cigarette health risks and were less likely to view e-cigarettes as addictive. Normative beliefs did not differ by race/ethnicity. In conclusion, e-cigarette knowledge, health risk perceptions, and perceived addictiveness differed by race/ethnicity. The variation in e-cigarette knowledge and beliefs among smokers and former smokers has implications for use, and potentially, dual use. Understanding these relationships in unrepresented populations can inform future research and practice. Highlights: We found evidence of racial/ethnic differences in e-cigarette knowledge. E-cigarette risk perceptions varied by race/ethnicity. E-cigarette social norms did not differ by race/ethnicity. Additional research on e-cigarette use in underrepresented groups is warranted.