Did E-Cigarette Users Notice the New European Union's E-Cigarette Legislation? Findings from the 2015-2017 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Aug 14;16(16):2917. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16162917.

Abstract

This study examined to what extent e-cigarette users noticed the European Union's new legislation regarding e-cigarettes, and whether this may have influenced perceptions regarding addictiveness and toxicity. Data were obtained from yearly surveys (2015-2017) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Netherlands Survey. Descriptive statistics and Generalized Estimating Equations were applied. About a third of the e-cigarette users noticed the text warning (28%) and the leaflet (32%). When compared to tobacco-only smokers, e-cigarette users showed greater increases in perceptions regarding addictiveness (β = 0.457, p = 0.045 vs. β = 0.135, p < 0.001) and toxicity (β = 0.246, p = 0.055 vs. β = 0.071, p = 0.010). In conclusion, the new legislation's noticeability should be increased.

Keywords: electronic cigarette; health warnings; noticing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • European Union
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Product Labeling / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Smokers / psychology*
  • Smoking / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Smoking Cessation / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult