Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses the rise in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among youth and the factors contributing to their popularity. It covers trends in e-cigarette product evolution, appeal, perceptions, and measures used to assess these constructs among youth. additionally, the text provides an overview of policies and regulations aimed at reducing e-cigarette use among youth.
Key Points:
* E-cigarette use among youth has increased significantly in recent years, with more than one in four high school students reporting past-month use in 2019.
* The evolution of e-cigarette products, from cigalikes to mods and pod mods, has contributed to the adolescent e-cigarette epidemic.
* Youth report flavor variety, device modifiability, the ability to perform tricks, and concealment from authority figures as primary appeals of e-cigarettes.
* Positive expectancies such as personal enjoyment, social benefits, and perceived safety contribute to adolescent e-cigarette use.
* Sales restrictions, minimum legal sales age laws, marketing restrictions, and product regulations are policies implemented to combat youth e-cigarette use, with varying degrees of success.
* The FDa has announced limitations on unauthorized cartridge-based e-cigarette flavoring and marketing strategies promoting adolescent e-cigarette use.
* E-cigarette taxes and smoke-free indoor air policies are additional regulatory measures that can address e-cigarette use among youth.
Main Message:
Understanding the unique risk and protective factors specific to youth e-cigarette use, which can be gleaned in part by psychometrically valid assessments, is crucial for informing regulatory strategies and prevention programming efforts. Comprehensive regulations that prioritize harm reduction and can evolve in lockstep with the constantly changing e-cigarette product landscape are essential for reducing e-cigarette use among youth.
Citation
Trucco EM, Fallah-Sohy N, hartmann Sa, Cristello JV. Electronic Cigarette Use among Youth: Understanding Unique Risks in a Vulnerable Population. Current addiction reports. 2020;7(4):497-508. doi:10.1007/s40429-020-00340-w
