Use of electronic cigarettes among adolescents: focus on harms, risks, and protective factors

Abstract

Studies have shown a close relationship between e-cigarette use and increased nicotine dependence and tobacco habituation. However, this scenario doesn't seem to serve as a warning for adolescents. One study investigated the impacts of e-cigarette use among teenagers in an effort to understand associated health damages, as well as the involved risk and protective factors. The research adopted an integrative literature review, following rigorous methodological guidelines for the selection and analysis of relevant studies. Various academic databases were consulted, and specific inclusion criteria were established, resulting in the selection of 12 relevant studies. The findings revealed a range of health hazards linked to e-cigarette use among adolescents, including respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immunological, neurocognitive, psychological, and mental issues. Identified risk factors included easy accessibility, device flavor attractiveness, social influences from friends and family, and lack of education about risks in schools. Female gender and younger age were also associated with higher propensity for use. Conversely, protective factors included higher socioeconomic status, parental guidance against smoking, absence of cigarette exposure at home, and prior knowledge of e-cigarette harms. In conclusion, preventive and educational measures are essential to mitigate this growing problem. Implementation of school education programs, public awareness campaigns, and stricter regulatory policies are recommended to safeguard adolescent health. Collaboration among governments, educators, parents, and public health professionals is crucial to reverse the increasing trend in e-cigarette use and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

Keywords: Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Health Risk; Adolescent Health; Disease Prevention; Health Promotion