Trends in exposure to and perceptions of e-cigarette marketing among youth in England, Canada and the United States between 2017 and 2019

Abstract

Abstract E-Cigarette marketing may influence e-cigarette use among youth. This study examined reported exposure to and perceptions of e-cigarette marketing among youth between 2017 and 2019 across countries with varying e-cigarette marketing restrictions. Cross-sectional online surveys were conducted with 35 490 youth aged 16–19 from England, Canada and the United States in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Weighted logistic regression models examined trends in the adjusted prevalence of self-reported exposure to e-cigarette marketing and the perceived appeal of e-cigarette ads between 2017 and 2019, by country and by smoking/vaping status. Reports of frequent exposure to e-cigarette marketing increased between 2017 and 2019 in all countries, but less so in England, where e-cigarette marketing is more restricted. Perceiving e-cigarette marketing as appealing increased from 2017 to 2019 in Canada and the United States, but not in England. In England, exposure to e-cigarette marketing did not increase in prohibited channels between 2017 and 2019. Between 2017 and 2019, never-users’ reports increased for exposure to and appeal of e-cigarette marketing. The results suggest some effectiveness of e-cigarette marketing bans in England and receptivity to e-cigarette marketing among youth never users.