Volume 30, Issue 176, October 2026

Perceived Harm and Cessation Related to Heated Tobacco Use

Maciej Pełka^1♦, Łukasz Augustowski¹, Julia Sadowska¹, Olga Pejas¹, Daniel Śliż²

¹Students’ Scientific Group of Lifestyle Medicine, 3rd Departament of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
²3rd Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Maciej Pełka, Students’ Scientific Group of Lifestyle Medicine, 3rd Departament of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61 St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Heated tobacco products are marketed as healthier alternatives to conventional cigarettes, but their actual influence remains poorly understood. Since there is no available assessment tool for nicotine dependence among heated tobacco users, it is difficult to evaluate the level of addiction. The present study aims to assess harmfulness and cessation-related factors associated with heated tobacco products. The group includes non-users, conventional cigarette smokers, heated tobacco users, and dual users. Materials and methods: We conducted an online survey covering socio-demographic features and perceived health risks of heated tobacco products. We used the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and a 1-10 self-report scale to assess the nicotine dependence severity. We modified the questions based on the responder’s answers. Results: The vast majority of nontobacco users perceived heated tobacco products to be harmful. The responses acquired from nicotine users were more diverse. According to the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the highest level of nicotine dependence was observed among heated tobacco users, followed by dual users and conventional cigarette smokers. Results from the 1- 10 self-report scale showed a similar pattern. Conclusions: Heated tobacco users and dual users appeared to be more nicotine dependent than conventional cigarette smokers, as indicated by both the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and the 1–10 self-report scale. The health risks associated with heated tobacco products vary depending on nicotine status.

Keywords: heated tobacco products, nicotine, smoking, cessation

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e203ms3962

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Published: 21 October 2026