Smokers' sensory beliefs mediate the relation between smoking a light/low tar cigarette and perceptions of harm.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The sensory belief that 'light/low tar' cigarettes are smoother can also influence the belief that 'light/low tar' cigarettes are less harmful. However, the 'light' concept is one of several factors influencing beliefs. No studies have examined the impact of the sensory belief about one's own brand of cigarettes on perceptions of harm.

Objective

The current study examines whether a smoker's sensory belief that their brand is smoother is associated with the belief that their brand is less harmful and whether sensory beliefs mediate the relation between smoking a 'light/low tar' cigarette and relative perceptions of harm among smokers in China.

Methods

Data are from 5209 smokers who were recruited using a stratified multistage sampling design and participated

SUBMITTER: Elton-Marshall T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4743031 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature