Comparing young adults to older adults in e-cigarette perceptions and motivations for use: implications for health communication.
Use of electronic cigarettes ('e-cigarettes' is rapidly rising, and is especially prevalent among young adults. A better understanding of e-cigarette perceptions and motivations for use is needed to inform health communication and educational efforts. This study aims to explore these aspects of use with a focus on comparing young adults to older adults.



In this qualitative study, the investigator conducted semi-structured interviews among a purposive sample of e-cigarette users. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and document themes.



e-cigarettes were most commonly used for smoking cessation among both age groups. Young adults described other motivations for use including doing smoke tricks, being able to consume a wide variety of flavors, and helping them study. Some interviewees (11%) believed e-cigarettes were a healthy alternative to conventional cigarettes, while many other users (30%) expressed concerns about the unknown risks of e-cigarettes.



Findings were generally consistent across both age groups in their perceptions of harm from e-cigarettes and in subjective effects such as perceived addictiveness. However, individuals under 30 described unique motivations for e-cigarette use. Health messaging targeted to young adults should emphasize the potential health risks of e-cigarette use and recognize their distinct motivational aspects.
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX 78701, USA Maria.R.Cooper@uth.tmc.edu.
Maria
M
Cooper
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
Melissa B
MB
Harrell
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
Cheryl L
CL
Perry
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D066300:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D058015:Health Communication / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult