Susceptibility to Electronic Cigarette and Consumption Patterns in Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (EC) use presents a significant global public health challenge.
• Susceptibility and curiosity are key predictors of adolescent substance use, including ECs.
• The extended index of susceptibility (ESIe-c) helps identify adolescents at risk for EC initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of EC consumption among adolescents.
• To assess predictors associated with susceptibility to EC use and experimentation.
• To understand the influence of intrapersonal and social factors on EC initiation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 377 adolescents.
• Analysis of EC experimentation and current use rates.
• Assessment of susceptibility using the ESIe-c and associated factors.

Main Results:

• 45.9% of adolescents reported previous EC use; 20.8% were current users.
• Among non-users, 43.3% exhibited medium-high susceptibility to EC initiation.
• Peer EC consumption, receiving offers, and alcohol use were linked to initiation.

Conclusions:

• Intrapersonal factors (affectivity, impulsivity, lack of premeditation) influence EC susceptibility.
• Social factors, particularly peer EC consumption, are associated with the onset of EC use.
• Targeting these factors is essential for effective adolescent EC prevention programs.