Perceptions and Experiences of Vaping Among Youth and Young Adult E-Cigarette Users: Considering Age, Gender, and Tobacco Use.

Introduction:
This summary will provide an overview of a study examining the perceptions and experiences of vaping among regular youth and young adult e-cigarette users, considering age, gender, and tobacco use. The key points from the study design and major findings will be highlighted, followed by the main message regarding the importance of group differences in policy action and interventions.

Key Points:

* The study collected data using paid Facebook and Instagram advertisements targeting youth and young adults, with responses collected through an online survey platform.
* Participants were regular e-cigarette users aged 16-24 years and were grouped by age, gender, and tobacco use.
* The survey included three open-ended questions about positive aspects, negative aspects, and social media content related to vaping.
* The responses were coded and grouped into categories, and chi-square tests and Bonferroni correction tests were used to examine group differences.
* Age and gender groups differed in their positive and negative perceptions of vaping and exposure to tricks and branding on social media.
* Tobacco use groups differed in their positive perceptions of flavors, nicotine rush, tricks, low cost, enhancement, and smoking cessation, as well as negative perceptions of social aspects and exposure to tricks on social media.
* The study highlights the importance of considering group differences in policy action and interventions to effectively address the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young users.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that there are notable similarities and differences among youth and young adult e-cigarette users by age, gender, and tobacco use. Policies and interventions should incorporate these distinctions to effectively address the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young users, especially among youth and nonsmokers. This can be achieved by tailoring messages and strategies to resonate with the unique perspectives of each group, ultimately aiming to minimize use and protect young people's health.

Al-Hamdani M, Hopkins DB, Hardardottir A, Davidson M. Perceptions and Experiences of Vaping Among Youth and Young Adult E-Cigarette Users: Considering Age, Gender, and Tobacco Use. The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine. 2021;68(4):787-793. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.08.004