adolescents and E-cigarettes in India: a qualitative Study of Perceptions and Practices.

Introduction:
This text provides an overview of e-cigarette use among Indian adolescents, including their perceptions and practices related to e-cigarettes. The study highlights the need for increased awareness about the harms of e-cigarettes and the importance of comprehensive tobacco-prevention programs. The text also discusses the role of flavors in increasing acceptability of e-cigarettes and how it affects perceived harmfulness of tobacco products.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted among 24 adolescents who self-reported use of e-cigarettes in ten municipal schools of Mumbai, India.
* adolescents referred to e-cigarettes as "pen-hookah" and perceived them as relatively harmless compared to regular hookahs and conventional cigarettes.
* Initiation of e-cigarette use was influenced by a friend, peer, or sibling. a variety of flavors, the after-taste, the ability to perform playful tricks with smoke, and fun-time spent with friends were cited as reasons for continued use.
* Social media influenced both initiation and continuation of e-cigarette use.
* Most adolescents' regular use was with a group of friends, and the device was shared with or obtained from friends or siblings.
* adolescents were unclear about the presence of nicotine in refill liquids and the harmful health effects.
* There is a need for increasing awareness among adolescents about the harms of e-cigarettes through comprehensive tobacco-prevention programs.
* More research is needed to examine the role of flavors in increasing acceptability of e-cigarettes and how it affects perceived harmfulness of tobacco products.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for increased awareness about the harms of e-cigarettes among Indian adolescents. The use of e-cigarettes is influenced by various factors, including flavors and social media. Comprehensive tobacco-prevention programs can help increase awareness about the harms of e-cigarettes and prevent adolescents from initiating and continuing e-cigarette use. additionally, more research is needed to examine the role of flavors in increasing acceptability of e-cigarettes and how it affects perceived harmfulness of tobacco products. It is crucial to regulate the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes, especially to minors, to prevent nicotine addiction and potential health risks.

Gupte ha, Chatterjee N, Mandal G, D’Costa M. adolescents and E-cigarettes in India: a qualitative Study of Perceptions and Practices. asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : aPJCP. 2022;23(9):2991-2997. doi:10.31557/aPJCP.2022.23.9.2991