Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study explored the value of providing information in a Fact Sheet to correct misperceptions about the relative harmfulness of nicotine replacement products (NRT) and smokeless tobacco (ST), when compared to cigarette smoking.<...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2012-06-01
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| Series: | Harm Reduction Journal |
| Online Access: | http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/9/1/19 |
| _version_ | 1818758998178922496 |
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| author | Borland Ron Li Lin Cummings K O’Connor Richard Mortimer Kevin Wikmans Tom Ramstrom Lars King Bill McNeill Ann |
| author_facet | Borland Ron Li Lin Cummings K O’Connor Richard Mortimer Kevin Wikmans Tom Ramstrom Lars King Bill McNeill Ann |
| author_sort | Borland Ron |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study explored the value of providing information in a Fact Sheet to correct misperceptions about the relative harmfulness of nicotine replacement products (NRT) and smokeless tobacco (ST), when compared to cigarette smoking.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Four convenience samples from different countries (Australia, UK, Sweden and USA) were surveyed concerning their beliefs about the relative harmfulness of smokeless tobacco and NRT. Study participants were given the Fact Sheet that explained that nicotine, as used by consumers, is not particularly harmful and explained why. They were resurveyed one week later regarding their beliefs about the relative harmfulness of smokeless tobacco and NRT and future intentions to use the products.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In all four samples knowledge increased by similar amounts and beliefs regarding the lower harmfulness of smokeless tobacco increased. However, misconceptions remained common and responses to belief measures were not always consistent. Likelihood of use of ST increased in all four samples after exposure to the Fact Sheet, but interest in NRT use only increased in the US sample.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A Fact Sheet such as this one can help address misconceptions about NRT and smokeless tobacco, at least in the short term. However, as is true of most educational interventions, exposure to a single educational session is not sufficient to overcome misperceptions that smokers have about the relative harmfulness of oral versus combustible forms of nicotine delivery.</p> |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-18T06:35:44Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-cc7fce6917cb4635a75367a5e75b0e5f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1477-7517 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-18T06:35:44Z |
| publishDate | 2012-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Harm Reduction Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-cc7fce6917cb4635a75367a5e75b0e5f2022-12-21T21:17:47ZengBMCHarm Reduction Journal1477-75172012-06-01911910.1186/1477-7517-9-19Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettesBorland RonLi LinCummings KO’Connor RichardMortimer KevinWikmans TomRamstrom LarsKing BillMcNeill Ann<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study explored the value of providing information in a Fact Sheet to correct misperceptions about the relative harmfulness of nicotine replacement products (NRT) and smokeless tobacco (ST), when compared to cigarette smoking.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Four convenience samples from different countries (Australia, UK, Sweden and USA) were surveyed concerning their beliefs about the relative harmfulness of smokeless tobacco and NRT. Study participants were given the Fact Sheet that explained that nicotine, as used by consumers, is not particularly harmful and explained why. They were resurveyed one week later regarding their beliefs about the relative harmfulness of smokeless tobacco and NRT and future intentions to use the products.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In all four samples knowledge increased by similar amounts and beliefs regarding the lower harmfulness of smokeless tobacco increased. However, misconceptions remained common and responses to belief measures were not always consistent. Likelihood of use of ST increased in all four samples after exposure to the Fact Sheet, but interest in NRT use only increased in the US sample.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A Fact Sheet such as this one can help address misconceptions about NRT and smokeless tobacco, at least in the short term. However, as is true of most educational interventions, exposure to a single educational session is not sufficient to overcome misperceptions that smokers have about the relative harmfulness of oral versus combustible forms of nicotine delivery.</p>http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/9/1/19 |
| spellingShingle | Borland Ron Li Lin Cummings K O’Connor Richard Mortimer Kevin Wikmans Tom Ramstrom Lars King Bill McNeill Ann Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes Harm Reduction Journal |
| title | Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes |
| title_full | Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes |
| title_fullStr | Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes |
| title_short | Effects of a Fact Sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes |
| title_sort | effects of a fact sheet on beliefs about the harmfulness of alternative nicotine delivery systems compared with cigarettes |
| url | http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/9/1/19 |
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