Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the prevalence and determinants of e-cigarette experience among high school students in Taiwan. The study used data from the General Tobacco Hazard Proficiency Test in 2017 and investigated the knowledge and factors related to e-cigarette exposure experience among junior and senior high school students.
Key Points:
* A total of 30.5% of students had seen someone trying e-cigarettes.
* Adolescent boys were more likely than female students to have e-cigarette exposure experience.
* Vocational high school students had the highest rate of e-cigarette exposure experience.
* Students who had smoking family members were more likely to have e-cigarette exposure experience.
* Experiencing e-cigarettes was more likely among students who had been exposed to second-hand smoke daily.
* The study underscores the need for effective intervention programs for e-cigarette regulation.
* There is no exact statistics about the actual sales situation of e-cigarettes in Taiwan.
* The health effect of e-cigarettes can be hazardous from the third-hand smoke exposure and the solvent of the liquids from e-cigarettes may remain environmental surfaces.
Main Message:
The study highlights the growing concern about e-cigarette usage among high school students in Taiwan. The findings indicate a need for effective intervention programs for e-cigarette regulation, especially for adolescent boys, vocational high school students, and those who have smoking family members or are exposed to second-hand smoke. The study also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the potential hazards of e-cigarette usage, including the exposure to third-hand smoke and the environmental contamination caused by the solvent of e-cigarette liquids. However, there is a lack of exact statistics on the sales situation of e-cigarettes in Taiwan, making it challenging to fully understand the extent of the issue. Overall, the study underscores the urgency for regulatory action to protect the health and wellbeing of high school students in Taiwan.
Citation
Chang CY, Ho CS. E-cigarette exposure among high schools students in Taiwan. Journal of Substance Use. 2019;24(2):212-216. doi:10.1080/14659891.2018.1537383
