Risk perception may predict whether one uses a non-cigarette tobacco product instead of or in addition to smoking cigarettes. In order to investigate young adults’ tobacco product risk perceptions relative to cigarettes, a recent study analyzed data collected from the 2011 National Young Adult Health Survey. Survey participants included young adults (18-34yo; n=2,871) that self-reported tobacco use, attitudes, susceptibility, and behaviors through a cell phone survey. Results indicated that for tobacco products such as smokeless tobacco, cigars, and hookah, over 50% of participants believed these products were as risky as smoking cigarettes. However, only 25.6% of participants believed e-cigarettes were as risky, with the majority of participants (57.8%) believing they were actually less risky than smoking cigarettes. For e-cigarettes and hookah, perceptions of lower risk were higher among ever or current users (compared to nonusers), and associated with younger young adults (18-24yo; compared to older young adults, 25-34yo).
Take Away: Findings from this study remain consistent with previous reports that suggest risk perception of tobacco products exists among a spectrum—often viewed as either more or less risky relative to smoking cigarettes. As the accessibility and regulation of tobacco products continue to change, the authors encourage continued monitoring of risk perceptions among young adults, especially those ages 18-24 years.