Does virtual versus in-person e-cigarette education have a differential impact?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Education

Background:

• Adolescent e-cigarette use is a growing concern.
• E-cigarette prevention education is increasingly delivered virtually.
• Evidence comparing virtual and in-person education effectiveness is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate virtual versus in-person e-cigarette education effectiveness.
• Assessed impact on adolescent knowledge, perceived addictiveness, and intent to try substances.
• Compared outcomes for e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and marijuana.

Main Methods:

• Pre- and post-education survey among middle and high school students (N=1031).
• Non-random assignment to virtual (n=745) or in-person (n=286) education.
• 25-minute educational presentation followed by a 10-minute survey.

Main Results:

• Both virtual and in-person education improved e-cigarette knowledge.
• Both formats increased perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes.
• Both formats reduced intent to try e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and marijuana.

Conclusions:

• Virtual e-cigarette education is as effective as in-person delivery.
• Virtual education is a viable option where in-person delivery is not feasible.
• Supports the use of virtual platforms for adolescent substance use prevention.