Longitudinal association between harm perceptions and tobacco behaviors among adults who smoke cigarettes: Differential associations across age groups using the PATH study.

The associations between harm perceptions and subsequent tobacco behaviors differed by age among adults who smoke. This study adds that low relative harm perceptions of e-cigarettes can promote complete switching among MAs who smoke. High absolute harm perceptions of e-cigarettes may deter dual use among MAs. Additionally, high absolute harm perceptions of cigarettes may reduce smoking and increase cigarette smoking quit intentions among MAs and OAs. Future research is needed to understand the beliefs that support harm perceptions among different age groups and why their effects differ by age, and what factors influence YAs' tobacco use behaviors.