Youth who use e-cigarettes regularly: A qualitative study of behavior, attitudes, and familial norms

Introduction:
This text discusses the results of a qualitative study examining the patterns of use, social and familial norms, and perceptions of health effects among youth who use e-cigarettes regularly. The study focused on a hard-to-reach population of 43 youth, aged 14-17, who described themselves as regular e-cigarette users.

Key Points:

* Youth often initiated or continued e-cigarette use with a device obtained from a friend or family member.
* The two main reasons youth initially used e-cigarettes were the flavors and doing tricks.
* Many participants reported that their family members are aware they use e-cigarettes and have received implicit and explicit messages from family members that are positive toward e-cigarette use.
* Participants were aware of the negative effects of nicotine, including addiction, but were not confident that they were using e-liquids without nicotine.
* Participants reported they will stop using e-cigarettes when they become aware of reported negative health effects.
* Parents and family members are an important target audience for prevention campaigns and health messaging.
* Youth are using products containing nicotine and may be becoming addicted, even if they would not choose to use nicotine-containing e-juice.
* Increased awareness of negative health effects may encourage prevention and cessation of e-cigarette use among youth.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of parents and family members as an audience for prevention campaigns and health messaging regarding e-cigarette use among youth. The findings suggest that youth are using e-cigarettes containing nicotine and may be becoming addicted, even if they are not aware of it. Increased awareness of the negative health effects of e-cigarette use may encourage prevention and cessation among youth.

Alexander, Jennifer P., Peyton Williams, and Youn Ok Lee. “Youth Who Use E-Cigarettes Regularly: A Qualitative Study of Behavior, Attitudes, and Familial Norms.” Preventive Medicine Reports 13 (March 2019): 93–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.11.011.