Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes a research study examining US adults' perceptions about the harms of nicotine in electronic vapor products (EVP) on the adolescent brain. The study used data from the 2016 and 2017 SummerStyles survey to assess adults' perceptions and identify variations across subpopulations. The key points and main message of this study are crucial for regulators and public health officials to understand the current public awareness of the risks associated with EVP use among adolescents.
Key Points:
1. The study used data from the 2016 and 2017 SummerStyles survey, with a total of 8,252 respondents.
2. The survey question assessed agreement with the statement "Nicotine in electronic vapor products can harm a teenager’s developing brain."
3. In 2016, 68.5% of adults agreed, while in 2017, 62.6% agreed (p < .001).
4. agreement varied by sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, annual household income, marital status, US region, children under 18 living in the household, cigarette smoking status, and EVP use status.
5. Lower prevalence of agreement was found among current and former smokers and e-cigarette users.
6. The study highlights the need for increased public education about the risks of EVP use among youth, specifically related to the risks of nicotine exposure.
7. The authors suggest that continued efforts are warranted at the national, state, and local levels to address this issue.
Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of educating the public, particularly adults who influence youth, about the harmful effects of nicotine exposure on the adolescent brain. With the increasing popularity of EVP among youth, it is crucial to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with their use. The findings suggest that regulators and public health officials should develop targeted educational campaigns and strategies to reduce EVP use among adolescents and prevent potential long-term health consequences.
Citation
McGruder h, Walton K, Sharapova S, King Ba. US adults’ Perceptions about the harms of Nicotine in Electronic Vapor Products on the adolescent Brain, United States, 2016-2017. Preventing chronic disease. 2020;17:1. doi:10.5888/pcd17.190391
