Exploring Patterns of the Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems among adolescents in high-Risk appalachian (U.S.a) Communities.

Introduction:
This article explores the patterns of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use among adolescents in high-risk appalachian communities in the United States. The study examines the prevalence of concurrent use of ENDS and cannabis and the associations between ENDS use, substance-related risk behavior, social relations, and school-related risk behavior. The findings have implications for public health intervention planning to address not only ENDS but also substance use among appalachian youth.

Key Points:

* The study involved a survey conducted with youth aged 13-17 years in a county in appalachian Tennessee in 2018.
* The survey found that lifetime ENDS and cannabis prevalence estimates were 31.1% and 18.6%, respectively.
* Lifetime ENDS users had increased odds of also being lifetime cannabis users.
* Lifetime ENDS users had increased odds of reporting ENDS use among peers.
* Lower academic performance was associated with ENDS use.
* Several factors were associated with ENDS use among youth in the U.S., including perceptions that ENDS are less harmful, parental/peer use behavior, flavoring, advertising and marketing, and academic performance.
* Dual use of cannabis and ENDS is associated with more severe dependence on ENDS, especially with the ability to repurpose ENDS devices to use non-nicotine substances such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (ThC), the psychoactive component in cannabis.

Main Message:
The study found an association between ENDS and cannabis use among adolescents in appalachian Tennessee exists. additionally, peer use and academic performance were associated with ENDS use. The findings highlight the need for public health intervention planning to address not only ENDS but also substance use among appalachian youth. Policies/programs that restrict access to ENDS may have the potential to reduce cannabis use among youth.

Mamudu hM, Shahani D, Jones a, et al. Exploring Patterns of the Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems among adolescents in high-Risk appalachian (U.S.a) Communities. Substance use & misuse. 2022;57(2):167-174. doi:10.1080/10826084.2021.1990333