School-based preventive interventions targeting e-cigarette use among adolescents: a systematic review protocol.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is rising among adolescents, posing significant health risks including poisoning, lung injury, and nicotine addiction.
• These risks include impacts on brain development and potential for future addiction.
• School-based interventions offer a promising avenue for prevention due to their reach during a critical developmental period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the efficacy of school-based interventions aimed at preventing e-cigarette use in adolescents.
• To identify existing preventive programs and evaluate their effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane) and trial registries from 2000 to April 2022.
• Inclusion of randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized controlled trials, and quasi-experimental studies.
• Independent screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis will be employed.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize findings from eligible studies on school-based e-cigarette prevention programs.
• Meta-analysis will be performed where appropriate to quantify intervention efficacy.
• Factors influencing program effectiveness will be explored using meta-regression if data permit.

Conclusions:

• Findings will elucidate the current landscape and effectiveness of school-based e-cigarette prevention strategies for adolescents.
• The results will inform the development of evidence-based interventions to combat adolescent e-cigarette use.
• This review will contribute to public health efforts to mitigate the harms associated with e-cigarette use in young people.