RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We examined use of e-cigarettes and views toward their use in public. METHODS: An online survey of US adults aged 18-24 (N = 874) was used. Measures included tobacco/e-cigarette use, acceptability of public cigarette/e-cigarette use, intention to use e-cigarettes, attitudes and norms. RESULTS: There was greater acceptance of public e-cigarette use than cigarettes. A path model revealed that attitudes and norms concerning e-cigarettes predicted the use of e-cigarettes beyond the effect of smoking. Attitudes also were shown to predict intention for future e-cigarette use above the effect of current and past smoking, and to predict acceptability of public use of e-cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Normative acceptance of e-smoking in public may contribute to the wider adoption of e-cigarettes.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We examined channels through which information about e-cigarettes has flowed, public perception of e-cigarettes as an innovation, and how these may influence use. METHODS: An online survey of US adults aged 18-24 years (N = 874) was used. Measures included information channels, perception of e-cigarettes as an innovation, and intention to use. RESULTS: Television ranked first for exposure to e-cigarette information. The most positive innovation attributes were observability and relative advantage. A structural model showed that information exposure and favorable perception as an innovation predicted use. CONCLUSIONS: The high degree of e-cigarette awareness combined with depiction of the devices as a favorable innovation may contribute to their wider adoption and may argue for regulation of e-cigarette advertising.