Advancing Support for Electronic Cigarette Control Policies in the United States: The Impact of Theory-Based Messaging Strategies
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Despite public health efforts to educate on the harms of e-cigarettes, they remain popular in the United States (U.S.) particularly among youth and young adults. Tobacco control policies are needed to more effectively decrease access among these populations. This study focused on testing theory-based messages to promote public support for e-cigarette control policies among a sample of U.S. adults. A survey panel company was used to recruit U.S. adults ( N = 301) for an online survey in April 2021. Participants were randomly exposed to four messages each from one of three conditions: 1) attitude-based messages, 2) perceived norms-based messages, and 3) control messages. After viewing each message, participants rated the message on perceived effectiveness measures. Upon viewing all messages, participants rated support for e-cigarette control policies. Compared to the control condition, the attitudes-based condition was associated with higher perceived effectiveness ( p < .01) and positively related to higher support for taxing e-cigarettes ( p = .01). Results may inform research and practice into the types of communication strategies that best resonate with the public and are more likely to increase support for e-cigarette control policies. However, research is needed to better understand the impact of theory-based messages on policy support over time. • Attitude-based messages were related to higher perceived effectiveness. • Attitudes-based messages were related to higher support for taxing e-cigarettes. • More research is needed to examine the long-term effect of theory-based messaging.
Source: Preventive Medicine Reports
Institution: California Polytechnic State University
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,610
OpenAlex ID: W4415755574