Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the predictors of susceptibility to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) initiation and experimentation among adolescents in a socio-economically disadvantaged rural area in Poland. The study identifies various socio-demographic factors, substance use, and perception of e-cigarettes that can affect youth susceptibility to e-cigarette use. The study's findings are crucial in developing effective prevention strategies to keep young people from using e-cigarettes.
Key Points:
* The study was conducted in Piotrkowski district, a socially disadvantaged rural area in central Poland.
* The study included 1693 students from 21 schools who were non-current users of e-cigarettes.
* The regression models were applied to evaluate factors linked to susceptibility to e-cigarette use among never users and ever users of e-cigarettes.
* Susceptibility to e-cigarette use was defined as the absence of a firm decision not to use these products.
* The adjusted model confirmed several risk factors for e-cigarette initiation, including smoking parents and friends, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and perception that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
* The youth whose mothers had a medium and high educational level, those who perceived girls who use e-cigarettes as more attractive, and secondary school students had higher odds of susceptibility to e-cigarette use.
* The youth who had more money per month were less susceptible to e-cigarette experimentation.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of identifying the susceptible youth to e-cigarette use to prevent them from initiation or experimentation with these products. The predictors of e-cigarette use susceptibility can be country- or even region-specific, depending on various factors, including characteristics of the population, social norms, legislation, and preventive measures. Therefore, a multi-level intervention approach is required to prevent the youth from e-cigarette initiation and experimentation, considering vulnerable populations and tailoring prevention strategies based on the specific factors that affect e-cigarette use susceptibility in different regions.
Citation
Kaleta D, Niedzin M, Jankowska a, Polańska K. Predictors of E-Cigarette Use Susceptibility-a Study of Young People from a Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Rural area in Poland. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2019;16(20). doi:10.3390/ijerph16203935
