Perception and Current Use of E-cigarettes Among Youth in China

Introduction:
This text provides a comprehensive analysis of a study examining the perception and use of e-cigarettes among youth in China. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use and awareness, and to explore the factors associated with e-cigarette use and its relationship with conventional tobacco use. The findings will provide baseline data to guide future research and tobacco control efforts in China.

Key Points:

* The study used data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, completed by over 150,000 middle school students in China.
* The results showed that 45.0% of middle school students had heard of e-cigarettes, but only 1.2% reported using e-cigarettes in the last 30 days.
* Among never-smokers, e-cigarette users were more likely to intend to use a tobacco product in the next 12 months, to say they would enjoy smoking a cigarette, and to be associated with factors such as previous experimentation with cigarette smoking, exposure to tobacco advertising, having close friends who smoke, and positive attitudes towards tobacco.
* E-cigarette use was associated with increased intentions to use tobacco products, suggesting that enhanced prevention efforts are needed to target e-cigarette use among youth.

Main Message:
The study provides valuable insights into the perception and use of e-cigarettes among youth in China. Despite the low prevalence of e-cigarette use, awareness is high, and e-cigarette use is associated with increased intentions to use tobacco products. The findings highlight the need for enhanced prevention efforts to target e-cigarette use among youth, including strict regulations on e-cigarette sales and marketing, and media campaigns to educate young people about the harms of e-cigarette use. As an expert in regulatory matters, it is crucial to consider these findings when developing policies and regulations related to e-cigarettes in China.

Xiao, Lin, Mark Parascandola, Congxiao Wang, and Yuan Jiang. “Perception and Current Use of E-Cigarettes Among Youth in China.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 21, no. 10 (September 19, 2019): 1401–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/nty145.