Patient Perception of Vaping in the Midst of the Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Product Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Epidemic.

Purpose Of Study: EVALI has reached epidemic proportions. With the increasing prevalence, new information has come to light regarding the safety of electronic cigarettes. We investigate the impact of the recent EVALI epidemic on patient perception surrounding vaping.

Methods: An anonymous survey was developed to evaluate patient perception regarding vaping. The survey was administered to adult patients at various clinics at University of Missouri. A total of 287 survey responses were analyzed.

Results: In all, 81.5% of respondents reported that e-cigarettes are unsafe, 73.2% did not feel that the absence of THC oils or vitamin E acetate made e-cigarettes safer, and 55.1% felt that e-cigarettes are less safe than traditional cigarettes. A majority (76%) felt that e-cigarettes/vaping products should be more regulated and pose a public health concern. Most surprising, 67.6% of participants answered that they knew somebody who was negatively affected by EVALI.

Conclusion: The survey responses suggest that the current EVALI epidemic is changing the public's perception and the narrative surrounding safety of e-cigarettes and vaping products.