Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) on electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among adolescents in 17 European study sites. The study examines the prevalence of e-cigarette use and trends over time, as well as the associations between e-cigarette use and demographic factors such as age, sex, grade, and pocket money.
Key Points:
* The study found that e-cigarette use among adolescents in European study sites has more than doubled in some countries, with significantly more male than female students reporting use.
* Students with medium or higher amounts of pocket money were more likely to use e-cigarettes than those with fewer to no pocket money in most study sites.
* The study highlights the importance of expanded and consistent surveillance of e-cigarette use by all World health Organization member states.
* Regulation of nicotine concentration in e-liquids differs across countries, with some countries banning flavors and implementing large graphic warnings for ENDS.
* E-cigarette use among adolescents is associated with starting tobacco cigarette smoking.
* Dual- and poly-use of tobacco products are emerging behaviors among youth.
* Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies is a critical measure from the WhO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, but it tends to be deprioritized and underfunded.
Main Message:
The study underscores the importance of continued progress in reducing tobacco product use among youths through epidemiologic surveillance. With youth smoking at all-time lows in several nations that have implemented tobacco control programs, e-cigarettes may stall or reverse achievements in declining tobacco cigarette initiation among adolescents. The evidence on e-cigarettes' harmful health effects is mounting, and it is crucial to generate data on the extent and correlates of youth e-cigarette use for evidence-based planning and evaluation of the electronic nicotine delivery systems and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems national and global control programs.
Citation
Tarasenko Y, Ciobanu a, Fayokun R, Lebedeva E, Commar a, Mauer-Stender K. Electronic cigarette use among adolescents in 17 European study sites: findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. European journal of public health. 2022;32(1):126-132. doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckab180
