February 28, 2024

Perceptions of vaping among smokers

A new study led by researchers at UCL finds that more than half of smokers in England incorrectly believe that vaping is more harmful or as harmful as smoking.

The research team found that public perceptions of e-cigarettes had worsened considerably over the past decade.  In June 2023, 57% of respondents said they thought vaping was equally as harmful as smoking or more harmful, while only 27% thought e-cigarettes were less harmful.

The study is published in JAMA Network Open and funded by Cancer Research UK. Journalists came Come to this online news briefing to hear the authors discuss their findings and put their questions to them.

Speakers included:

Dr Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow, UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group

Prof Lion Shahab, Professor of Health Psychology and Co-Director of the UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group

Dr Sharon Cox, Principal Research Fellow, UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group

Prof Jamie Brown, Professor of Behavioural Science and Director of the UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group