Perceived risk

Perceived risk was assessed by asking “How much do you think people risk harming themselves when they do each of the following activities?” for “Use an e-cigarette once in a while” and “Use an e-cigarette on a regular basis” (Figure 12.10).

Overall, the majority of students in grades 7-9 perceived “slight” or “moderate” risk of using e-cigarettes with nicotine “once in a while”, but “moderate” or “great” risk of regular use.

Significantly more ever-users of e-cigarettes perceived “no risk” of using e-cigarettes with nicotine once in a while (20.5%^a) or on a regular basis (8.5%^b), compared to never users (7.5%^c and 5.4%^d, respectively).^169,170

Compared to e-cigarettes with nicotine, youth appeared to perceive using e-cigarettes without nicotine as having lower risk of harm (Figure 12.11).

Overall, the majority of students in grades 7-9 perceived “no risk” or “slight” risk of using e-cigarettes without nicotine “once in a while”, but “slight” or “moderate” risk of regular use.

Significantly more ever-users of e-cigarettes perceived “no risk” of using e-cigarettes without nicotine once in a while (52.7%^e) or on a regular basis (31.0%^f), compared to never users (23.1%^g and 12.8%^h, respectively).^171,172