Enhancing Adolescent Risk Perception of Electronic Cigarette Use.

Abstract

Adolescent electronic cigarette use has been steadily increasing since first being introduced commercially in 2007. The aim of this pilot study was to determine if adolescents who watched an educational video during a wellness visit would increase their perception of risk related to electronic cigarette use. Seventy-nine adolescents participated and were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 40) or control (n = 39) group. Results included risk perception, perceived benefit, and provider discussion about electronic cigarettes. There was no statistical difference between intervention and control groups for electronic cigarette risk or perceived electronic cigarette benefit. Adolescents who watched the video intervention compared to those who did not watch a video intervention were significantly more likely to report having discussed electronic cigarettes with their provider (p < .001). Watching a video intervention on electronic cigarettes increased the likelihood of a reported discussion between provider/patient about electronic cigarettes but did not increase risk perception or decrease perceived benefit of electronic cigarettes. Utilizing video education is one tool that could potentially be used to augment provider education during wellness visits.