‘95% Less Harmful’? Exploring Reactions to Quantitative Modified Risk Claims for Snus and E-cigarett
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Posted by: Natalia Gromov
Wackowski
OA, O'Connor RJ, Diaz D, et al.
‘95% Less Harmful’?
Exploring Reactions to Quantitative Modified Risk Claims for Snus and
E-cigarettes.
Tobacco Control Published Online First: 22 March 2021. doi:
10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056303
Objectives.
Studies examining perceptions of ‘modified risk tobacco product’ (MRTP)
messages for e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco have indicated consumers want
statistics and quantification of harm reduction. However, limited research
exists on reactions to quantitative MRTP messages.
Design. We
conducted 12 focus groups in the USA in 2019—6 focused on e-cigarette messages
and 6 on snus messages. Eight groups were with current smokers (ages 21–66) and
four with young adult (ages 18–25) non-smokers (n=57). Participants discussed
messages stating that use of snus and vaping products have been estimated by
scientists to be about 90% and 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes,
respectively.
Results.
Several participants agreed the messages strongly communicated that the
products are less harmful than cigarettes, were attention getting and could be
‘convincing’. However, participants expressed scepticism about the source and
accuracy of the stated figures, and some noted the claims could be misleading
and attractive to young people. Comments also reflected some claim
misunderstandings (eg, that e-cigarettes only pose a 5% chance of harm).
Participants also agreed that stating e-cigarette risks ‘are unlikely to exceed
5% of cigarette smoking harms’ was confusing and less impactful than the ‘95%
less harmful’ wording.
Conclusions.
Quantitative claims suggesting high levels of reduced risk when comparing
e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco/snus relative to cigarettes may be successful
in gaining attention and being persuasive for some audiences, particularly, if
from more credible sources. However, message developers, users and evaluators
should be mindful of message limitations and aim to mitigate unintended
consequences.
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