Summary
Introduction:
This article examines the relationship between mental health problems and the initiation of e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use among adolescents. The study uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health Study, a nationally representative longitudinal study of US adolescents. The authors examine the respective associations between baseline internalizing and externalizing problems and initiating use of e-cigarettes, combustible cigarettes, or both at 1-year follow-up.
Key Points:
* The study sample included 7702 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years who at baseline reported no lifetime use of tobacco products.
* adolescents with high externalizing problems were more likely to initiate use of e-cigarettes, combustible cigarettes, and both products at 1-year follow-up.
* adolescents with high internalizing problems were at increased risk of initiating use of e-cigarettes but not combustible cigarettes or both products.
* Mental health problems are associated with increased risk for initiating e-cigarette, combustible cigarette, and dual-product use in adolescence.
* This association is more consistent for externalizing problems than internalizing problems.
* addressing mental health problems could be a promising target for preventing initiation of nicotine- and/or tobacco-product use by adolescents.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of addressing mental health problems as a means to prevent the initiation of nicotine- and/or tobacco-product use among adolescents. The findings suggest that externalizing problems, such as impulsive and disruptive conduct symptoms, are more strongly associated with the initiation of e-cigarette, combustible cigarette, and dual-product use. Therefore, mental health interventions that target these externalizing problems could have a significant impact on preventing nicotine- and/or tobacco-product use among adolescents. additionally, the study emphasizes the need to consider the role of mental health problems in the regulation and prevention of nicotine- and/or tobacco-product use.
Citation
Riehm KE, Young aS, Feder Ka, et al. Mental health problems and initiation of e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use. Pediatrics. 2019;144(1):9. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-2935
