MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Older age is associated with greater misperception of the relative health risk of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among US adults who smoke

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2023

ISSN: 0964-4563

DOI: 10.1136/TC-2023-057943

PMID: 37137702

Abstract: Introduction The prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults aged ≥55 has remained stagnant over the past decade. National data modelling suggests no reduction in cigarette smoking prevalence attributable to e-cigarette use in the USA among people aged ≥45. Misperceptions about the absolute risks (ie, cigarettes are not harmful) and relative risks (ie, e-cigarettes are more harmful than cigarettes) of tobacco products may contribute to sustained smoking prevalence and hesitancy to switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes among older adults. Methods Participants reported cigarette use (n=8072) at Wave 5 (2018–2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions included six age categories (independent variable) and cigarette and e-cigarette risk perceptions (outcomes). Additional models assessed the associations between dichotomous age (≥55 vs 18–54), risk perceptions and an interaction term (independent variables) with past 12-month quit attempts and past-month e-cigarette use (outcomes). Results Adults aged ≥65 were less likely than adults aged 18–24 to rate cigarettes as very/extremely harmful (p<0.05). Odds of rating e-cigarettes as more harmful than cigarettes among adults aged 55–64 and ≥65 were 1.71 (p<0.001) and 1.43 (p=0.024) greater than for adults aged 18–24. This misperception was negatively associated with past-month e-cigarette use and was stronger among adults aged ≥55 (p<0.001) than adults aged <55 (p<0.001). Discussion Adults aged ≥55 are more likely to have misperceptions about the absolute and relative risks of tobacco products, which may contribute to continued smoking. Health communications targeting this age group could modify beliefs about the perceived harms of tobacco products.

Url: https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2023/05/02/tc-2023-057943

Url: https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2023/05/02/tc-2023-057943.abstract

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Rubenstein, Dana; Denlinger-Apte, Rachel L; Ross, Jennifer Cornacchione; Carroll, Dana Mowls; McClernon, F Joseph

Periodical (Full): Tobacco Control

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Volume:

Pages: tc-2023-057943

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IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop