Trends in Trust in the Sources of Health Information on E-Cigarettes Among US Adults, 2015-2017.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate recent levels and trends in trust in sources of health information on e-cigarettes in the United States.

METHODS: We obtained data from nationally representative samples of adults in 2015 (n = 5389), 2016 (n = 5273), and 2017 (n = 5389) that reported trust in 13 sources of health information on e-cigarettes in the United States. We used weighted linear regression models to examine temporal trends in trust levels.

RESULTS: Doctors, health organizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health experts and scientists, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and family and friends were trusted, whereas news media, e-cigarette users, social media, vape shop employees, and e-cigarette and cigarette companies were distrusted. From 2015 to 2017, trust significantly increased for CDC, FDA, health experts and scientists, and news media (Ps < .01). Trust also increased for NIH between 2016 and 2017 (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS: US adults trust public health sources and distrust entities with commercial interest in e-cigarettes. This suggests that evidence-based messaging and information on health effects of e-cigarettes from public health professionals can effectively counter e-cigarette promotion and improve public understanding about e-cigarettes. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print November 29, 2018: e1-e3. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2018.304754).