[E-cigarettes: Perceived harmfulness and use for smoking cessation]. / E-Zigaretten: Einschätzung von Gesundheitsgefahren und Nutzung zur Tabakentwöhnung.

BACKGROUND: The perception that e­cigarettes are less harmful than traditional tobacco products can influence the consumption of e­cigarettes. OBJECTIVES: Three questions were examined: (1) How do different population groups perceive health risks of e­cigarettes? (2) Do sociodemographic variables explain differences in the risk assessment of e­cigarettes? (3) Does the perception of health risks predict the use of e­cigarettes for smoking cessation? METHODS: Data came from the 2015 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) with a sample size of n = 9204 participants, aged 18 to 64 years (response rate 52.2%). Data were collected by telephone, online, or by written questionnaires. Assessments of risk perception of e­cigarettes and conventional cigarettes (more harmful, just as harmful, less harmful, do not know) were compared. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: Individuals with lower education rated e­cigarettes as more harmful. Older people and women perceived e­cigarettes as just as harmful. Smokers considered e­cigarettes to be more harmful than or just as harmful as conventional tobacco products. The likelihood of using e­cigarettes for smoking cessation was higher if people thought they were less harmful than conventional cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Only one-third of the population knows that e­cigarettes are less harmful to health than conventional cigarettes. The perception of health risks is related to the usage of e­cigarettes for smoking cessation.