Adolescents' Awarenss and Perceptions of E-Cigarettes: Implications for Intervention and Tobacco Regulation

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly popular in the US, including among pediatric patients. E-cigarette marketing is prominent in multiple media (television, internet, print), which raises concerns that it might increase the appeal of e-cigarettes among youth. To inform potential preventive interventions, this study sought to examine youth’s awareness of e-cigarettes, sources of awareness, and perceived harms, addictiveness, and appeal of e-cigarettes. Adolescents ages 12 to 17 presenting for primary care well visits at an urban adolescent medicine clinic were recruited for 1:1 telephone interviews. Interviews assessed e-cigarette marketing …