Understanding time to vaping onset in childhood and adolescence: A dual systems model approach

Vaping has grown in prevalence among youth populations over the past decade and has been promoted as a safer alternative to smoking despite the potential health risks. There is a dearth of research which has examined the timing of onset of vaping from childhood into adolescence. Childhood predictors vaping onset have also been understudied. This study sought to address gaps in the literature by examining timing of vaping onset, relevance of childhood levels of dual systems model constructs (sensation-seeking, impulse control) for predicting differential onset, and the potential that childhood predictors may vary in the magnitude of their effects depending on age.

Data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were analyzed. Survival analysis plotted the differential timing of vaping onset. Cox proportional hazard models examined the relevance of baseline sensation-seeking and impulse control for predicting differential timing of vaping onset. Time-varying coefficients in the Cox model were used to examine the interactions between predictors and age.

Findings indicated that the vast majority of vaping onset in the sample occurred during the teenage years. Greater sensation-seeking and lower impulse control at baseline significantly predicted quicker time to vaping and greater risk overall for vaping. These relationships did not vary in effect magnitude by age.

Consistent with prior research on tobacco use (smoking e-cigarettes, etc.), sensation-seeking and impulse control were significant predictors of vaping. Message framing strategies may have utility for addressing impulse control and/or sensation-seeking issues that may precipitate vaping onset.