Prevalence and correlates of lifetime e-cigarette use among adolescents attending public schools in a low income community in the US.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the prevalence and correlates of e-cigarette use among adolescents attending public schools in a low-income community in the US. The study aims to report on their e-cigarette susceptibility and use behaviors, and perceived risks of harm and addiction.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted among students in grades 7, 9, and 11 from a Title I school district in the northeastern US.
* The study found that 55% of the full sample were considered ‘susceptible’ to e-cigarette use, with 19% being lifetime e-cigarette users and 6% being lifetime smokers.
* Students in 11th grade were more likely to have ever used e-cigarettes compared to students in 7th grade.
* Students who were more curious, intended to use e-cigarettes in the next 12 months, and would use the product if it was offered by a friend had greater odds of lifetime e-cigarette use.
* By contrast, students who perceived at least moderate risks of health harm were less likely to have used e-cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study suggests that adolescents from marginalized communities are susceptible to and are using e-cigarettes. Prevention efforts targeting underserved areas may benefit from e-cigarette health education messages that reduce curiosity, interrupt social aspects of initiation, and emphasize health harms. It is crucial to address e-cigarette use among vulnerable adolescents to prevent disparities in tobacco-related diseases and hamper prevention and control efforts.

Tercyak KP, Phan L, Gallegos-Carrillo K, et al. Prevalence and correlates of lifetime e-cigarette use among adolescents attending public schools in a low income community in the US. addictive behaviors. 2021;114:106738. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106738