Concienciación sobre el cigarrillo electrónico, uso, y percepción de sus efectos dañinos en Brasil: Resultados de un país que cuenta con estrictos requisitos normativos

Given the uncertainties regarding electronic cigarettes’ (e-cigs) impact on health, in 2009 Brazil prohibited sales, importation or advertisements of these products until manufacturers are able to show they are safe and/or effective in smoking cessation. This study sought to analyze: (1) awareness of (e-cigs), ever-use and recent use; (2) perception of harmfulness of electronic cigarettes when compared with conventional cigarettes; and (3) correlates of awareness and perception of harmfulness. This is a cross-sectional study among Brazilian smokers (≥ 18 years) using the Wave 2 replenishment sample of the Brazilian International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey. Participants were recruited in three cities through a random-digit dialing sampling frame between October 2012 and February 2012. Among the 721 respondents, 37.4% (n = 249) of current smokers were aware of (e-cigs), 9.3% (n = 48) reported having ever tried or used (e-cigs) and 4.6% (n = 24) reported having used them in the previous six months. Among those who were aware of (e-cigs), 44.4% (n = 103) believed they were less harmful than regular cigarettes (low perception of harmfulness). “Low perception of harmfulness” was associated with a higher educational level and with having recently tried/used (e-cigs). Despite restrictions to (e-cigs) in Brazil, 4.6% of sample smokers reported having recently used them. Health surveillance programs in Brazil and other countries should include questions on use and perceptions of (e-cigs) considering their respective regulatory environments.