Epidemiology of Traditional Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents in Poland: Analysis of Sociodemographic...

E-cigarettes are electronic nicotine-dispensing systems in the form of an aerosol. Their popularity among adolescents is growing at an exceedingly fast pace.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the use of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes and identify demographic risk factors for the use of these products by adolescents in large and small cities and rural areas in Poland. This cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 aimed to assess the prevalence of traditional cigarette and e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 12-18 in Poland, while identifying demographic risk factors associated with their usage. A total of 10,388 adolescents participated, predominantly from rural areas.

Findings revealed that 12.3% were traditional cigarette smokers, with 90% smoking in the past month, while 14.9% were e-cigarette users, with 84.7% using them in the past month. Dual users accounted for 6.4% of respondents. Non-smokers were younger, and e-cigarette users were more likely to be boys from larger cities. Moreover, mothers of non-smokers tended to have higher education levels than those of traditional cigarette smokers.

This study provides important new insights into demographic predictors associated with the use of specific devices, which can help inform targeted interventions to reduce e-cigarette use.