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Objective: The aim of this study was to determine high school students' views about tobacco products and e-cigarettes and e-cigarette smoking prevalence in one of Turkey's western provinces. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 286 students. The data collection form consisted of 18 questions related to sociodemographic features and tobacco and e-cigarette use. Results: Of the 286 participants, 32.2% reported having used a tobacco product in the past month, 1.02% reported having used e-cigarettes, and 15.2% have tried e-cigarettes at least once. Of those who tried e-cigarettes, 19.2% of them did so because of curiosity. A positive correlation was found between e-cigarette trial and tobacco use, with age. Smoking/e-cigarette use status was significant with "e-cigarettes are harmful" (P=.034), "e-cigarette smoke is harmful" (P = .003), and "selling and advertising e-cigarettes is prohibited" (P =.043). Conclusion: This study determined that 3 out of 10 youths used tobacco products, and 1 used e-cigarettes. There is a need to raise awareness among high school students and youth regarding the dangers of e-ciga- rettes and tobacco products.
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Tobacco Use and e-Cigarette Experiences of the Youth
Kurtuluş and Can.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine high school students’ views about tobacco products
and e-cigarettes and e-cigarette smoking prevalence in one of Turkey’s western provinces.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 286 students. The data collection form consisted
of 18 questions related to sociodemographic features and tobacco and e-cigarette use.
Results: Of the 286 participants, 32.2% reported having used a tobacco product in the past month,
1.02% reported having used e-cigarettes, and 15.2% have tried e-cigarettes at least once. Of those who
tried e-cigarettes, 19.2% of them did so because of curiosity. A positive correlation was found between
e-cigarette trial and tobacco use, with age. Smoking/e-cigarette use status was significant with “e-cigarettes
are harmful” (P = .034), “e-cigarette smoke is harmful” (P = .003), and “selling and advertising e-cigarettes is
prohibited” (P =.043).
Conclusion: This study determined that 3 out of 10 youths used tobacco products, and 1 used e-cigarettes.
There is a need to raise awareness among high school students and youth regarding the dangers of e-ciga-
rettes and tobacco products.
Keywords: Addiction, e-cigarette, smoking, youth
Introduction
The youth are an important target group for the tobacco industry. According to the 2017 Global
Youth Tobacco Survey of Turkey, in total, among young people aged 13-15 years, smoking preva-
lence is 7.7%, 9.9% in men, and 5.3% in girls.1 Other studies involving high school students in
Turkey reported the prevalence of smoking between 13.4% and 35.7%.2-4 The tobacco industry
tries to maintain dependency on the new products it introduces to the market.5 One of these
products is Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), known as e-cigarettes. e-Cigarettes
cause addiction due to their nicotine content.5,6 It is claimed that in causing addiction, e-ciga-
rettes may be a “gateway” in the transition to tobacco smoking. In other words, the previous
use of “lighter” substances is a step in the transition to stronger substances.6,7 Studies on the
long-term health outcomes of e-cigarette use are limited. However, research supports that the
e-cigarette is a harmful product.8 e-Cigarettes contain many toxic substances, including nicotine,5
which have harmful eects on brain development in adolescents and teenagers due to the toxic
substances they contain.5,7 In fact, studies in the literature suggest that the nicotine solution,
heavy metals, glass fibers, and flavoring chemicals in e-cigarettes may have potentially negative
eects that may contribute to the pathogenesis of adolescent respiratory tract symptoms and
asthma.9,10 Studies show that e-cigarette use has become widespread in many European coun-
tries, and especially in the United States. In the United States, in 2019, a study reported that
10.5% of secondary school students and 27.5% of high school students had used e-cigarettes in
the last 30 days.11 A study conducted in Canada reported the frequency of e-cigarette use as
6.5%.12 In a study involving 14 352 university students from Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and
Slovakia, it was reported that 1.1% of the participants used e-cigarettes.13 In a study conducted
in China, the frequency of e-cigarette use is reported to be 2.1% and 3.6% among vocational
high school students.10
Use of e-Cigarettes and Tobacco Products Among Youth in Turkey
Şerif Kurtuluş1, Remziye Can2
2
54
Original Article
Original Article
Eurasian J Med 2022; 54(2): 127-132
Eurasian J Med 2022; 54(2): 127-132
This article has been accepted by Turkish
Thoracic Society and presented at the
23rdannual congress.
Cite this article as: Kurtuluş Ş, Can R. Use of
e-cigarettes and tobacco products among youth in
Turkey. Eurasian J Med., 2022;54(2)2:127-132.
1Department of Chest Diseases, Harran
University Faculty of Medicine, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
2Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Vocational and Technical
Anatolian High School, Eskişehir, Turkey
Received: June 11, 2020
Accepted: February 14, 2021
Corresponding author: Şerif Kurtuluş,
e-mail: drkurtulus1@gmail.com
DOI 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2022.20168
General Chest Diseases
128 • Kurtuluş and Can. Tobacco Use and e-Cigarette Experiences of the Youth Eurasian J Med 2022; 54(2): 127-132
E-cigarette was started to be sold to the
public trough both media and direct market-
ing in Turkey in 2007.5 However, studies on
e-cigarettes in Turkey usually cover the adult
age group.14,15 Studies have shown that the
frequency of e-cigarette use among Turkish
students is 2.9% and 19% among people over
18 years old.16,17 In the literature, no study was
found to examine the frequency and use of
e-cigarettes among adolescents in Turkey. The
aim of this study was to determine the fre-
quency of use of e-cigarettes and other tobacco
products and the views on the extent of
e-cigarette use among students in a high school
in 1 city in western Turkey.
Materials and Methods
Study Design
This cross-sectional study was conducted at a
vocational school in the city of Eskişehir in the
western part of Turkey (n = 286). Eskişehir is
an industrial zone where the research is carried
out, and its population is 887 475. Eskişehir is
considered among liveable cities with its location
and socio-economic level.18
Sample
The high school in which the study was con-
ducted consisted of graduate students in the
health field. The universe of the research was
724 students enrolled in the 2019-2020 aca-
demic year. The sample size calculated for the
population of 724 students with a 95% CI and 5%
margin of error is 251. Students were informed
about the study by the researcher. Written
informed consent was obtained from all parents
of individual participants. Of these students,
315 provided the signed forms and confirmed
that they wanted to participate in the study.
Twenty-nine of the forms were incomplete or
incorrectly coded in the questionnaire; thus, 286
students completed the study between 1 and
December 31, 2019. Of the group, 158 (45.3%)
were female. The participants consisted of indi-
viduals who reported that they were at most
15 years old (33.21%). Maximum participation
was from the 11th-grade level. The majority of
respondents reported that their income level
was moderate (54.54%). In this study, 92 partici-
pants (32.2%) reported that they had used any
tobacco product in the last one, and 44 students
(15.2%) have tried e-cigarettes at least once.
The number of respondents who have been
e-smokers within the last 30 days is 3 (3.2%).
The product used by the participants consisted
mostly of rolled tobacco (34.8%). Of the study
group, 194 (67.8%) reported that they bought
tobacco product from neighborhood markets.
Of the participants, 246 (86.0%) have individu-
als using tobacco products in their environment
(Table 1).
Ethical Issue
The study was approved by the Harran
University Ethical Committee (December 30,
2019; session: 08; decision no: 15).
Data Collection
The data collection form consisted of 18 ques-
tions with 4 questions about sociodemographic
characteristics (age, gender, family income sta-
tus, grade level), 3 questions about tobacco
use characteristics and prevalence (Do you
know the tobacco products listed below? Do
you use tobacco products? Where do you buy
tobacco products?), and 11 questions on e-cig-
arettes categorized as true/false/do not know
(e-cigarettes are addictive, e-cigarettes help to
quit smoking, e-cigarettes are harmful to health,
e-cigarettes contain nicotine, e-cigarettes are
at risk of explosion, swallowing the liquid in an
e-cigarette cartridge is harmful, e-cigarettes
are harmful, e-cigarettes are prohibited in our
country, use of e-cigarettes is forbidden in our
country, e-cigarettes are produced by tobacco
companies), and what are your reasons for
trying e-cigarettes?
Statistical Analysis
Using the IBM 23.0 program (IBM SPSS Corp.;
Armonk, NY, USA), sociodemographic charac-
teristics, tobacco use features and prevalence,
and the percentage and frequency distribu-
tions of the questions related to e-cigarettes are
given. Tobacco product use status was catego-
rized as yes/no, and the prevalence of the par-
ticipants’ tobacco product use was determined.
Questions regarding e-cigarette use were
compared in terms of statistical significance by
chi-square analysis in 2 groups. A Spearman’s
correlation analysis was performed between
the age variable and the status of tobacco prod-
uct use and trying e-cigarettes. The reasons for
using e-cigarettes are shown in a pie chart.
Results
Our study determined that a positive relation-
ship existed between the participants’ age vari-
able and tobacco use and trying e-cigarettes
(Table 2).
When the reasons for trying e-cigarettes at least
once in their life are listed to participants, the
most frequent reason for trying was curiosity
(19.2%). In terms of other reasons for trying,
16.4% of the participants reported that the taste
of e-cigarettes was good, 15.7% of participants
stated they smelled good, 14.0% stated they
Main Points
The results of this study show that 3 out of
10 youth in Turkish society use tobacco products,
and 1 out of 10 youth try e-cigarettes.
Although Turkish laws prohibit the use of e-ciga-
rettes, the frequency of use among youth is 3.2%.
Young people try e-cigarettes most often because
of curiosity.
This frequency is important for the continuity of
nicotine addiction in young people and the risks
that may arise.
Also, our study determined that tobacco use and
e-cigarette experience increased with age.
Table 1. Distribution of Some Features
Related to Tobacco Use
N %
Gender
Female 158 45.3
Male 128 44.7
Age
14 36 12.58
15 95 33.21
16 91 31.83
17 and above 64 22.37
Level of education
933 11.54
10 105 36.71
11 96 33.57
12 52 18.18
Family income
Low 72 25.18
Middle 156 54.54
High 58 20.28
Do you use any tobacco
products?
Yes 92 32.2
No 194 67.8
Have you tried
e-cigarettes in your life?
Yes 44 15.4
No 242 84.6
Type of tobacco product
used
Not used 194 67.8
Cigarette 42 14.7
Wrapping tobacco 32 11.1
Wrapping tobacco + cigarette 15 5.2
E-cigarette 3 1.2
Presence of smoking in
the near environment
Yes 246 86.0
No 40 14.0
Eurasian J Med 2022; 54(2): 127-132 Kurtuluş and Can. Tobacco Use and e-Cigarette Experiences of the Youth • 129
were available everywhere, and 10.5% were try-
ing to quit smoking (Figure 1).
Of the participants, 251 (87.8%) reported that
e-cigarettes are harmful, 239 (83.6%) stated
e-cigarettes contain nicotine, 252 (88.1%)
reported that e-cigarettes have a risk of explo-
sion, 250 (87.4%) reported that swallowing or
inhaling the liquid in the e-cigarette cartridge
causes poisoning, and 237 (82.9%) reported
that the smoke from the e-cigarette is harm-
ful. There was a statistically significant dier-
ence between the participants’ use of any
tobacco product and e-cigarettes being harmful
(P = .034) and the smoke from the e-cigarette
being harmful (P= .003). Of the participants,
146 (51.0%) reported that e-cigarette advertise-
ment and sales are prohibited in our country. A
statistically significant dierence was determined
between the participants’ tobacco use and their
knowledge that e-cigarettes are forbidden to be
sold and advertised in our country (P = .043). Of
the participants, 205 (71.7%) know that using
e-cigarettes is prohibited in our country, and
229 (80.1%) of them know that e-cigarettes
are produced by cigarette companies. There
was no statistically significant dierence
between the participants’ cigarette/e-cigarette
use and the status of knowing that e-ciga-
rette use is prohibited in our country and
that e-cigarettes are produced by cigarette
companies (Table 3).
Discussion
In this study, the opinions of Turkish youth about
tobacco products, e-cigarette use prevalence,
and their views on e-cigarettes were examined.
Ninety-two of the participants reported that
they use tobacco products, 44 reported they
had tried e-cigarettes at least once, and 3 were
e-cigarette smokers in the last 30 days (Table 1).
It was found that those who tried e-cigarettes
did so mostly out of curiosity (Figure 1). The
majority of participants (87.8%) think that
e-cigarettes are harmful. The frequency of those
who know that e-cigarettes contain nicotine is
83.6%. The frequency of those who know that
the smoke from e-cigarettes is harmful is 82.9%.
In internal documents, the tobacco industry
refers to youth as “replacement smokers” or
“learners.19 It is known that around the world,
the frequency of tobacco product use, which
is increasing especially among youth, will bring
addiction in older age and the subsequent bur-
den of diseases that may develop.20 This situa-
tion, which requires taking significant measures,
will have a negative impact on both the national
economy and health data. The prevalence of
use of any tobacco product in this study was
determined to be 32.2%. Our study, which
is similar to the literature,7,13,20 unfortunately,
shows that 3 out of 10 youth are on their way
to being addicted.
The e-cigarettes launched by the tobacco indus-
try in 2007 may lead to regular smoking due to
both their nicotine content and the structure
that mimics cigarette smoking (bringing it to
the mouth and holding it).21 In our study, it was
determined that 44 (15.4%) of 286 students had
tried e-cigarettes at least once. This frequency
may indicate that at least 1 person will switch
to regular smoking. In our study, the number of
participants who reported that they were regu-
lar e-cigarette users in the last 30 days was 3
(1.2%). In the literature, studies report that the
frequency of e-smokers varies between 1.6%
and 11.8%.22-24 In a study comparing the smok-
ing and e-smoking habits of Spanish and Turkish
students in 2019, 2.9% of Turkish students
(male) reported that they used e-cigarettes. In
the same study, 2.9% of Turkish male students
and 13.2% of Turkish female students stated
that they only used cigarettes.16 The reason for
dierent frequency percentages found in e-cig-
arette smoking in studies may be the legal bar-
riers to accessing e-cigarettes and information
about the dangers of e-cigarettes.
One of the findings we obtained was that the
frequency of both tobacco use and e-cigarette
experience increased with age (Table 2). Similar
to our findings, Vogel et al22 reported that at the
16-month follow-up, more than 40% of e-cig-
arette users (at least once in life) had started
smoking. East et al.23 in their study conducted
Table 2. Correlation Between Age and Tobacco Use and e-Cigarette Experience
Tobacco Use Experience of e-Cigarette
Age Correlation coecient 0.136 0.226
Sig .022 .000
19.2
16.4 15.7
14
10.5
9.1
5.2 4.9
curiosty tasty smell good everywhere
use
help quit
smoked
impressed by
friends
glitzy easy to hide
0
5
10
15
20
25
Figure1. Reasons for participants’ e-cigarette experience.
130 • Kurtuluş and Can. Tobacco Use and e-Cigarette Experiences of the Youth Eurasian J Med 2022; 54(2): 127-132
in 2018, reported that those in the 16-18 age
group found e-cigarettes less harmful than
cigarettes compared to individuals in the
lower age groups. These results prove that
e-cigarettes cause addiction just as other
tobacco products do.
It is known that individuals’ lack of information
and awareness about a subject causes a feeling of
curiosity.25 Even if youth do not express that they
use tobacco, their interest in these products and
the curiosity they may have might be an impor-
tant public health indicator in terms of future
addiction.26 Another common reason for using
electronic cigarettes reported by both teens and
young adults is flavor or taste.27 Villantietal.28 with
data from the Population Assessment of the
Tobacco and Health Survey and the National
Tobacco Youth Survey, found that 63-70% of
youth tobacco product users choose flavored
products.28 Although the reasons for trying
e-cigarettes vary among youth, they are funda-
mentally similar. In our study, it was found that
youth tried e-cigarettes because of curiosity
(19.2%) and the good flavor (16.4%). In addi-
tion, it was determined that the smell of e-cig-
arettes was better than cigarettes (15.7%) and
could be used everywhere (although this is false
information) (14%) are among the reasons for
trying. This finding, which is similar to the litera-
ture, shows that youth’s perspective on tobacco
products is similar regardless of where they are
in the world. Similar to our study findings, in their
study conducted with high school and university
students who are smokers, Konget al29 found
that participants reported that e-cigarettes are
a better alternative to cigarettes due to better
smell, being able to use e-cigarettes in indoor
areas where smoking is prohibited (e.g., movie
theatres and schools), and they can hide from
parents/teachers because they are odorless. In
another study, the most important 3 reasons for
using e-cigarettes were curiosity, the influence of
friends or family, and quitting smoking.30
In our study, it was determined that there
was a significant dierence between partici-
pants’ smoking/e-smoking status and know-
ing that e-cigarettes are harmful to health.
Of the 251 (87.8%) students who stated that
e-cigarettes are harmful to health in all study
groups, 74 (29.5%) were youth who smoke or
use e-cigarettes. Although low according to our
study findings, East et al reported that 63.4%
of respondents perceived e-cigarettes as less
harmful than cigarettes, 22.9% perceived them
as equally harmful, and 2.6% as more harmful.
While 0.7% in our study stated that they do
not know whether e-cigarettes are harmful, this
frequency was reported as 11.2% in the study
of Eastet al (2018).23 In a study conducted in
Egypt, 31.9% of respondents who knew about
e-cigarettes believed that e-cigarettes were less
harmful than traditional cigarettes.31
E-cigarettes contain dierent amounts of nico-
tine in their cartridges.27 Of the study group,
239 reported that the information that e-ciga-
rettes contain nicotine is correct, and of those,
76 (31.8%) were cigarette/e-smokers. However,
there was no dierence between knowledge of
e-cigarettes containing nicotine and cigarette/e-
cigarette use. This result may be related to per-
ception management used in advertising and
promoting e-cigarettes. Similarly, in the study
of Eastetal.23 no relation was found between
the correct perceptions of nicotine harm and
e-cigarette use.23 Contrary to our study findings,
Gorukanti et al32 reported that groups dier
from each other in terms of addiction among
e-cigarettes/cigarettes, both with and without
users (e-cigarette/cigarette).32
One situation we examined was the risk percep-
tion of e-cigarettes. In our study, 252 (88.1%) of
the youth reported that e-cigarettes had a risk
of explosion, and 250 (87.4%) reported that
Table 3. Opinions According to Tobacco/e-Cigarette Use
Tobacco/e-Cigarette Use
Yes, n (%) No, n (%) Total, n (%) Test Value/P
e-Cigarettes are harmful
True 74 (29.5) 177 (70.5) 251 (87.8) 6.782/.034
False 17 (5.5) 16 (48.5) 33 (11.5)
I don’t know 1 (50.0) 1 (50.0) 2 (0.7)
e-Cigarettes contain nicotine
True 76 (31.8) 163 (68.2) 239 (83.6) 0.073/.787
False 15 (34.1) 29 (65.9) 44 (15.4)
I don’t know 1 (33.3) 2 (66.7) 3 (1.0)
e-Cigarette has risk of explosion
True 78 (31.0) 174 (69.0) 252 (88.1) 1.309/.253
False 13 (41.9) 18 (58.1) 3 (10.8)
I don’t know 1 (33.3) 2 (66.7) 3 (1.0)
Swallowing or inhaling the liquid in the e-cigarette cartridge caused poisoning
True 77 (30.8) 173 (69.2) 250 (87.4) 2.752/.097
False 13 (46.4) 15 (53.6) 28 (9.8)
I don’t know 2 (25.0) 6 (75.0) 8 (2.8)
Smoke from e-cigarettes is harmful
True 67 (28.3) 170 (71.7) 237 (82.9) 8.550/.003
False 23 (53.5) 20 (46.5) 43 (15.0)
I don’t know 2 (33.3) 4 (66.7) 6 (2.1)
E-cigarette is forbidden to sell and advertise in our country
True 39 (26.7) 107 (73.3) 146 (51.0) 4.089/.043
False 50 (38.8) 79 (61.2) 129 (45.1)
I don’t know 3 (27.3) 8 (72.7) 11 (3.8)
Use of e-cigarette is prohibited in our country
True 61 (29.8) 144 (70.2) 205 (71.7) 2.275/.312
False 27 (39.7) 41 (60.3) 68 (23.8)
I don’t know 4 (30.8) 9 (69.2) 13 (4.5)
E-cigarette is produced by cigarette companies
True 72 (56.8) 157 (68.6) 229 (80.1) 3.492/.174
False 16 (43.2) 21 (56.8) 37 (12.9)
I don’t know 4 (20.0) 16 (80.0) 20 (7.0)
Eurasian J Med 2022; 54(2): 127-132 Kurtuluş and Can. Tobacco Use and e-Cigarette Experiences of the Youth • 131
swallowing or inhaling the liquid in the e-cigarette
cartridge caused poisoning. However, there was
no dierence between the risk of explosion of
e-cigarettes and the ingestion or inhalation of
liquid in the e-cigarette cartridge causing poison-
ing and being or not being a cigarette/e-cigarette
user. These results can be explained by the insuf-
ficient knowledge of e-cigarettes and the lack of
addressing this issue among youth. Indeed, stud-
ies reporting that youth are e-smokers for social
reasons such as curiosity, better smell, ease of use,
and being cool rather than mechanical and con-
textual reasons support our findings.20 Despite
the studies showing the eects of e-cigarettes on
health, studies report that adolescents who pre-
viously used cigarettes or e-cigarettes, compared
to non-users, stated that e-cigarettes produce
only water, do not contain tar, are not addictive,
are not tobacco products, produce smoke, feel
cleaner, and safer than smoking.32
The smoke produced by e-cigarettes is harm-
ful, like other tobacco products. E-cigarettes,
like other tobacco products, contain many car-
cinogenic substances and nicotine and spread
from the cartridge to the environment through
heating.33 In our study, 237 of the participants
(82.9%) reported that the smoke from e-ciga-
rettes is harmful. It has been determined that
there is a significant dierence between the
harmful state of the smoke coming out of the
e-cigarette and the cigarette/e-cigarette use.
This finding is in line with the state of knowing
whether smoking/e-cigarettes is harmful or not
and use of cigarettes/e-cigarettes, while know-
ing that swallowing or breathing the fluid in the
cartridge of an e-cigarette causes poisoning is in
contradiction with the use. However, the results
we obtained are promising for youth despite
their limited knowledge about e-cigarettes.
Of our participants, 146 (51%)—almost 1 in
2 people, whether they are cigarette/e-ciga-
rette users or not—knew that smoking and
advertising e-cigarettes is prohibited in our
country. There was a significant dierence
between smoking cigarettes/e-cigarettes and
the sale and advertisement of e-cigarettes
being banned in our country. The number of
people who knew that use of e-cigarettes is
forbidden in our country was 205 (71.7%).
However, there was no significant dierence
between being a cigarette/e-cigarette user
or not and the ban on using e-cigarettes in
our country. Although the sale and use of
e-cigarettes in Turkey is not legal, they can
be obtained easily through online e-sales
and without any questions. This may indicate
that nicotine addiction may continue to gain
momentum, especially among youth.
In conclusion, the use of e-cigarettes in the
Turkish youth community is seen in only 1 in 100
people, the insuciency of control mechanisms
and legal practices in online systems may increase
the prevalence of use. To protect youth, all ENDS
should be considered as tobacco products, and
the addictive power and negative eects of
nicotine in their content should not be ignored.
These restrictions should be applied by increas-
ing the restrictions on the sale and advertisement
of e-cigarettes. Larger sampling and longitudinal
studies are needed to understand the prevalence
and risks of using e-cigarettes in Turkish society.
Limitations
This study had several limitations. The surveys used
were self-managed in the school environment.
All participants consist of youth in high school.
Thus, no generalization can be made for youth in
other cities. Secondly, this study is cross-sectional.
Therefore, causality cannot be determined. Future
research through longitudinal studies should
examine how perceptions of harm and benefit are
associated with the introduction of e-cigarettes.
Ethics Committee Approval: The study was approved
by Harran University Ethical Committee (December
30, 2019; session: 08; decision no: 15).
Informed Consent: Written informed consent was
obtained from all parents of individual participants.
Peer-review: Externally peer-reviewed.
Author Contributions: Concept – R.C., Ş.K.; Design
– R.C., Ş.K.; Supervision – R.C., Ş.K.; Funding – R.C.,
Ş.K.;Materials – RC, ŞK; Data Collection and/or
Processing – RC, ŞK; Analysis and/or Interpretation –
R.C., Ş.K.; Literature Review – R.C., Ş.K.; Writing
Manuscript – R.C., Ş.K.; Critical Review – R.C., Ş.K..
Declaration of Interests: The authors have no con-
flicts of interest to declare.
Funding: The authors declared that this study has
received no financial support.
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... The WHO has launched a new global anti-tobacco campaign called "Tobacco Exposed" which will mainly focus on protecting young children from exposure to nicotine products before adolescence (The Lancet Child Adolescent Health, 2020). The tobacco industry employs different strategies to sway young individuals, such as producing appealing tobacco items like bubble gum, candy, and e-cigarettes (Dagli, 2019;Kurtuluş & Can, 2022;Mahajan et al., 2021). According to the WHO, these companies use other tactics such as giving away free cigarettes at open-air concerts, providing soluble nicotine products such as e-cigarettes in an unregulated manner, and selling cigarettes in school neighborhoods in low-and middle-income countries (The Lancet Child Adolescent Health, 2020). ...
... One such product is the Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), also known as e-cigarettes. These e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can lead to addiction (Kurtuluş & Can, 2022). E-cigarette cartridges contain propylene glycol, glycerol, nicotine, and various flavors (such as menthol, apple, and cinnamon) (Engel & Jerlhag 2014;King et al., 2013). ...
... The youth study by Xie et al. found that students who began vaping between the ages of 8 and 13 reported difficulty with concentration, memory, and decision-making compared to those who started at 14 or older (Xie et al., 2020). Recent research suggests that the various chemicals found in e-cigarettes, such as heavy metals, glass fibers, and flavorings, may contribute to the development of respiratory tract symptoms and asthma in adolescents that may alter the neuroinflammatory reactions in the whole-body system (Dagli, 2019;Kurtuluş & Can, 2022). Regular monitoring of e-cigarettes among youth could help policymakers balance adult cessation benefits in contrast to youth harms (Njie et al., 2023). ...
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Main Points • A significant reorganization of brain regions occurs during adolescence, impacting cognitive and executive functions, working memory, emotional regulation, reward processing, and motivated behavior. • Nicotine addiction often begins in adolescence, when the brain's reward systems are developing, following even sporadic exposure to tobacco products. • Nicotine smoke may have a stronger rewarding effect on the adolescent brain, making it more vulnerable. • Using e-cigarettes may lead to a higher likelihood of tobacco smoking addiction, acting as a "gate-way" to stronger substances. • Preventing adolescent nicotine exposure is critical to reducing smoking prevalence and related health risks. Abstract Nicotine, the highly addictive psychoactive component of tobacco, acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors , influencing reward, motivation, attention, learning, and memory. Genetic background, sex, age, and environmental factors contribute to individual differences in nicotine addiction. The use of tobacco products is typically initiated and established during adolescence, when the developing brain is most susceptible to nicotine addiction. A significant reorganization of brain regions essential for advanced cognitive and executive functions and motivated behavior characterize the adolescent period. The neuro-inflammatory effects of nicotine have the most damaging impact on the adolescent brain. Many experts suggest that using e-cigarettes may lead to a higher likelihood of tobacco smoking addiction, acting as a "gateway" to stronger substances. The variety of e-cigarette flavors can affect pleasure perception and directly impact the brain reward system of the younger population. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid smoking or using any nicotine-containing products during this time to ensure optimal brain health and development. This article will explore the latest research on nicotine exposure and its impact on adolescent brain development. The review article discusses demographic features, neurophysiological effects of nicotine, contextual and individual differences in addiction, vulnerability to mental disorders, and e-cigarette use in adolescence.
... 21 In a study conducted in an adolescent group, the rate of e-cigarette use was found to be 1.02%, while in a study conducted on university students in İstanbul, this rate was found to be 8.5%. 10,22 In another study conducted in Adana, 0.92% of e-cigarette users were found, and in another study conducted in İzmir, 19.1% e-cigarette users were found. 13,14 In a study conducted on only medical faculty students from the same university, the rate was found to be 4.6%. ...
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OBJECTIVE This study examines the tobacco and product use status of university students, their awareness of smoke-free campuses, and the relationship between tobacco use awareness and tobacco use status. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data were collected using a questionnaire for students (n = 15.515) who continued their education at a state university. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: sociodemographic, tobacco and product use behaviors, and a Smoke-free Campus Awareness Scale (SCAS). The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for continuous variables. RESULTS 28.5% of the university students were active smokers, and 48.7% were exposed to passive smoking on campus. When the SCAS scores were compared according to the smoking status of the students, never smokers (median: 44.0, Q1=36.0-Q3=48.0), active smokers (median: 27.0, Q1=20.0-Q3=36.0), and recent quitters (median: 33.0-Q1=11.0-Q3=43.0) (P < 0.001). SCAS scores were compared according to gender; the median score of female students (Q1=31.0-Q3=46.0) was statistically higher than that of male students (Q1=19.0-Q3=44.0). Non-smokers were found to be statistically more uncomfortable with being exposed to secondhand smoke on campus than smokers (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Most students were unaware of the smoke-free campus policy but were aware that passive smoking is an important public health problem. The fact that male students and smokers oppose implementation requires investigation of the reasons for these attitudes in future studies, and monitoring tobacco use trends after implementation is important to effectively evaluate smoke-free campus implementation.
... The prevalence of e-cigarette use found in our study (4.0% current use and 20.9% ever-use) is consistent with the results of a limited number of studies performed in Turkey among the young population (29)(30)(31). These findings suggest that governments should implement evidence-based, strong tobacco control programs to protect university students from smoking or using any tobacco or nicotine products that may contribute to nicotine addiction. ...
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Background A major public health hazard is youth e-cigarette use. Although new, e-cigarette health hazards are becoming well-known in the literature. E-cigarette sale restrictions and laws differ globally. In this cross-sectional study, we studied medical university students’ tobacco and e-cigarette use and characteristics in a country where sales and import of e-cigarettes are banned. The primary objective is to determine the prevalence of electronic cigarette use and understand consumption patterns among medical faculty students in this setting. Materials and methods The questionnaire was sent using a web-based student information system. Sociodemographic features, tobacco and e-cigarette use, consumption patterns, and e-cigarette risk perceptions were covered in 54 questions. Results The study comprised 1,054 students (48.7% male) aged 21.5 ± 2.6 years who completed the questionnaire. 37.7%, 20.9% and 23.6% have smoked cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or water pipes. Current cigarette smokers were 17.0%, e-cigarette users 4.0%, and water pipe smokers 4.5%. E-cigarette users were 52.3% dual smokers. The most common symptoms reported by e-cigarette users were cough (58.4%) and dyspnea (54.2%). Multivariable models showed that the male sex, greater monthly income, and a current smoker friend were independent risk factors for e-cigarette ever use, while the male sex, paternal current smoking, and close friends’ current smoking status were risk factors for dual use among medical trainees. Many medical students who used electronic cigarettes underestimated nicotine’s health hazards and harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes. Despite e-cigarette sales being prohibited in our country, 56.4% and 25.4% of e-cigarette users provided e-cigarettes from tobacco shops and through online sales, respectively. Conclusion Medical university students use tobacco most often by smoking cigarettes. Despite medical university students being aware of the health hazards of e-cigarettes, the current use of electronic cigarettes is 4.0%. Male sex, greater monthly income, and having current smoker friends are independent risk factors for e-cigarette use, while paternal smoking is a risk factor for dual use among medical trainees. Although in the country, sales of e-cigarettes are banned, ever-use rates for e-cigarettes were remarkably high at 20.9%, and the ease of accessing e-cigarettes was striking.
... Further analysis revealed that the prevalence of smoking is 9.9% among males and 5.3% among females within this age group [19]. The researchers conducted on high school students in Türkiye was documented varying rates of smoking prevalence, ranging from 13.4% to 35.7% [20]. The tobacco business endeavors to sustain reliance on the novel goods it releases into the market. ...
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Electronic cigarettes entered the market in 2007 as an alternative to conventional tobacco products, and their use has increased significantly worldwide. Due to the emergence of various harmful effects and attracting attention, their sale was banned in our country and many other countries. However, according to the research, the use of e-cigarettes is increasing rapidly in the world and in Türkiye, and the rate of use at young ages is quite high especially. Its supply can be easily made through online sales on many websites. Despite this growing popularity, little is known about the potential effects of e-cigarettes on human health. This is particularly important in the presence of flavoring compounds, solvents, additives, and other ingredients that are added intentionally or unintentionally and whose long-term effects are uncertain. This is because every day a new product with new ingredients, flavors, and properties is introduced to the market. Previous studies have focused on measuring known toxicants, particularly those found in traditional cigarettes, while fewer have investigated unknown compounds and transformation products formed during the e-cigarette process in these diverse and ever-evolving products. It seems that the e-cigarette market is growing and developing rapidly in our country, as in the whole world, and product sales continue to increase despite all kinds of bans. However, when we look at the literature, the research conducted is insufficient, as mentioned above, and there are points that need to be further emphasized.
... However, the tobacco industry continues to advertise new alternative tobacco products, despite pending regulations in some countries that would extend tobacco control authority to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). E-cigarettes are currently one of the most popular products on the market (Kurtuluş & Can, 2022). E-cigarettes, personal vaporizers, e-cigarette pens, e-cigars, e-hookahs, or e-cigarette devices, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems, are batterypowered devices designed to vaporize a liquid solution of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin, which may contain nicotine or other flavors (Göney et al., 2016). ...
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ABSTRACT Background/aim: It is important to identify and understand the determinants of the use of tobacco and e-cigarette when addressing their usage. The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic and economic factors that affect tobacco and e-cigarette concurrent use. Methods: In this study, the micro data set of the Turkey Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) in 2019 was used. Bivariate probit regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the tobacco and e-cigarette use status of individuals. Results: It is seen that 31% of the individuals participating in the research use tobacco and 1% use e-cigarettes. While 17% of the study’s participants were between the ages of 45 and 54, 34% were under the age of 34. According to the study, 69% of individuals are married. In the study, it was determined that the rate of individuals who have difficulty paying for health services is 11%. Conclusion: According to the study, appropriate strategies should be developed to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette consumption by taking public health strategies and determinants affecting tobacco and e-cigarette use into account to raise awareness of the adverse health effects of tobacco and e-cigarette use.
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O uso do cigarro eletrônico tornou-se popular nos últimos anos, havendo um aumento na venda e utilização por parte, principalmente, dos jovens e adolescentes. Essa prática trás diversos malefícios para esses usuários, como o desenvolvimento de doenças pré-cancerígenas em específico na cavidade bucal e na região de cabeça e pescoço. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura publicada e indexada nos últimos anos entre o período de 2016 e 2023. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados do Pubmed e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), tendo sido buscados os termos “Eletronic-cigarrete and harmful effects and oral cavity” no Pubmed e os termos “Cigarro eletrônico e cavidade oral” na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foi realizada a leitura criteriosa e avaliação do conteúdo dos artigos, sendo incluídos 14 artigos em nosso trabalho. Os resultados demonstraram que as substâncias presentes no cigarro eletrônico são capazes de modular respostas inflamatórias e a expressão de citocinas e interleucinas relacionadas a processos patogênicos, comprometendo a resposta imune local de células da cavidade bucal. Conclui-se, portanto, que a utilização do cigarro eletrônico comprovadamente trás malefícios não somente para a cavidade oral, como também para a saúde sistêmica do indivíduo. Seu uso deve ser desencorajado através da promoção de saúde bucal e de orientações de profissionais do ramo odontológico.
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Electronic cigarette use has increased over the past decade. Its potential role in smoking cessation, in addiction and as a ‘gateway’ to tobacco smoking is subject to intense research. This cross-sectional study, carried out in 2013, aims to present the habits of students aged 13–15 in Greece with regard to e-cigarettes and investigate potential risk factors and the relationship between e-cigarettes, tobacco smoking and other nicotine products. It is the first such study to be carried out in Greece. The survey was based on the standardized methodology of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. All potential associations were investigated using multiple logistic regression. In total 2.8% of the 4096 participating students were current e-cigarette users and 12.3% of them were ever users. E-cigarette use was associated with male gender, being older, current use of combustible tobacco products and e-cigarette use in the family. Ever e-cigarette use, being older, female gender and higher pocket money were associated with an increased susceptibility to tobacco smoking. E-cigarette prevalence in Greece in 2013 was similar to that of other, developed countries. The smoking and vaping habits of adolescents must be monitored in order to assess trends over time and whether any policy alterations are necessary.
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Importance: Understanding the prevalence and symptoms of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) dependence and its association with future e-cigarette use among youth may help to guide pediatric clinical services and health policy. Objectives: To examine the cross-sectional prevalence and symptom presentation of e-cigarette dependence and to determine whether e-cigarette dependence is associated with subsequent e-cigarette use patterns 6 months later among youth with baseline past-year e-cigarette use. Design, setting, and participants: This prospective cohort study used baseline and 6-month follow-up surveys among students in the 12th grade during the 2016 to 2017 school year who reported any past-year e-cigarette use. Surveys were conducted on site in 10 high schools in Los Angeles, California. Data were analyzed from March 2019 to December 2019. Main outcomes and measures: Self-reported checklist of 10 tobacco product dependence symptoms reflecting loss of control over use, craving or urge, or withdrawal symptoms while abstinent, completed at baseline and administered separately for e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes. Reporting 1 or more symptoms indicated a positive screen for dependence. Vaping continuation, defined as any past 6-month vaping, and past 30-day nicotine vaping days (range, 0-30), sessions per vaping day (range, 0-20), and puffs per session (range, 0-20) at 6-month follow-up were assessed. Results: Among 3168 twelfth-grade students who completed the baseline survey, 444 youths (mean [SD] age, 17.48 [0.39] years; 217 [48.9%] female) reported past-year e-cigarette use. Among these, 52 youths (11.7%) reported at least 1 e-cigarette dependence symptom. Among youth who reported past-year dual e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use, combustible cigarette dependence, reported by 43 youths (29.7%), was more prevalent than e-cigarette dependence, which was reported by 24 youths (16.4%). The most common symptoms, craving, urge, and need to use, and least common symptoms, abstinence-related concentration and emotional problems, were similar in both combustible and e-cigarette dependence. The prevalence of e-cigarette dependence was higher among youth who reported vaping in the past month than among those who did not (41 youths [17.6%] vs 11 youths [5.2%]; P < .001) and among youth who used e-cigarettes with nicotine than among those who used e-cigarettes without nicotine (42 youths [15.2%] vs 10 youths [6.0%]; P = .004). After adjusting for baseline vaping and e-cigarette dependence risk propensity scores, baseline e-cigarette dependence symptom status was associated with vaping continuation (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30 [95% CI, 1.07-4.94]; P = .02) and past 30-day number of nicotine vaping days (adjusted rate ratio, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.44-3.28]; P < .001), vaping sessions per day (adjusted rate ratio, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.52-3.83]; P < .001), and puffs per session (adjusted rate ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.09-2.66]; P = .02) at 6-month follow-up. Conclusions and relevance: These findings suggest that e-cigarette dependence may be an expression of tobacco use disorder associated with future use persistence and escalation among youth. Electronic cigarette dependence may be a behavioral health consequence of adolescent vaping that warrants consideration in pediatric patient care and public health policy.
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Polytobacco use has become increasingly popular among young adults, particularly males, and can be defined as the concurrent use of regular cigarettes and other tobacco products (e.g., e-cigarettes). The present study investigated the use of legal smoking products (cigarettes, waterpipe and electronic cigarettes) among young adults (n = 355) in Spain and Turkey. The survey measured demographics, lifetime and past month tobacco use, waterpipe and e-cigarette use, whether waterpipes and e-cigarettes contained nicotine and reasons for using these substances. The majority of the Turkish (men = 80% and women = 63.9%) and Spanish sample (men = 61.4% and women = 69.3%) were polytobacco users. The most common reason for using e-cigarettes was "to experiment, to see what is like" (Turkish sample: men 66.7% and women 57.1; Spanish sample: men 72.7% and women 93.8%). The most common reason to use regular cigarettes was "to relax and relieve tension" (Turkish sample: men 88.9% and women 77.6%; Spanish sample: men 78.1% and women 76%), while for waterpipe users, the most common reason was "to experiment, to see what it is like" (Turkish sample: men 93.3% and women 80%; Spanish sample: men 78.9% and women 93.8%). The implications for prevention and future research are discussed.
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Background-E-cigarettes have grown in popularity around the world since 2003. Although marketed as a smoking cessation tool, e-cigarettes can lead to tobacco cigarette smoking in youth. In Canada, among all age groups, youth and young adults have the highest prevalence of e-cigarette use. The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with e-cigarette use among youth and young adults in Canada, and to specifically examine the association between alcohol, marijuana and illicit drug use. Methods- Data from the 2017 Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey were used. The sample was restricted to those aged 15-24 years (n=10,322), and main outcome defined as 'E-cigarette use in the past 30-days'. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between the main outcome and substance use variables (illicit drug, marijuana and alcohol use), tobacco exposure variables, and demographic and health-related factors. Results- 6.2% Canadians aged 15-24 reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30-days, while 23.9% reported having ever tried e-cigarettes. Twenty-three percent of the past 30-day users reported using e-cigarettes every day and 72.5% of the past 30-day users reported having nicotine in their last e-cigarette. Additionally, youth aged 15-17 were 4.95 times more likely to be e-cigarette users as compared to those aged 22-24 (OR: 4.95, 95% CI: 3.1-7.9). Moreover, e-cigarette use was significantly associated with marijuana use (OR:4.17, 95% CI: 2.6-6.7) and alcohol use (OR: 5.08, 95% CI: 2.9-9.0), and approached significance with illicit drug use (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.0-2.9). Furthermore, being a current smoker (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.8-4.7) and male (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.5-3.4) was significantly associated with the outcome. Conclusion- This study is nationally representative and provides insight into e-cigarette use among youth and young adults aged 15-24 years. Given that e-cigarettes can be used as illicit drug delivery systems, more studies are needed to understand how Canadian youth and young adults are using e-cigarettes. Stricter restrictions on public e-cigarette smoking, and awareness campaigns informing youth of risks of e-cigarette smoking should be implemented.
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Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are an alternative to traditional tobacco cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among university students from Central and Eastern Europe and to investigate personal characteristics associated with cigarette and e-cigarette smoking. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was performed between 2017–2018 among university students in five European countries: Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Slovakia. The questionnaire included 46 questions related to the frequency and habits of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes use. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 14,352 students (8800 medical; aged 20.9 ± 2.4 years) with an overall response rate of 72.2%. Two-thirds of the respondents had smoked a traditional tobacco cigarette and 43.7% had used an e-cigarette. Overall current smoking status included 12.3% traditional cigarette smokers, 1.1% e-cigarette users, and 1.8% were dual users with the remainder being non-smokers. Smoking status differed between the research centres (p < 0.001). Females were less likely to try either cigarettes (OR = 0.83) or e-cigarettes (OR = 0.62) and were less likely to be current cigarette (OR = 0.64), e-cigarette (OR = 0.34), or dual users (OR = 0.33) than males. Perception of e-cigarettes significantly differed between smokers and non-smokers (p < 0.001). Among university students, cigarettes are more popular than e-cigarettes.
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Background: E-cigarettes often contain nicotine without the most harmful constituents of tobacco smoke. Aims: This study aims to assess prevalence and correlates of accurately perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes and that none or a small amount of the harm from smoking comes from nicotine. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 2,103 11–18-year-olds in Great Britain in 2016. Prevalence of e-cigarette and nicotine harm perceptions were calculated. Logistic regressions assessed associations between accurate e-cigarette and nicotine harm perceptions and smoking, e-cigarette use, gender, age, region, social grade, family smoking, family e-cigarette use, smoking friends, public approval of smoking, and public approval of e-cigarettes. Associations between accurate e-cigarette and nicotine harm perceptions were also assessed. Results: Most (63.4%) accurate e-cigarette harm perceptions were higher among those aged 16+ (OR = 1.89 [95%CI = 1.45–2.47]), 14–15 (OR = 1.29 [1.00–1.65]), who tried/used an e-cigarette sometimes (OR = 1.51 [1.03–2.21]), with family e-cigarette use (OR = 2.11 [1.46–3.04]), who perceived public disapproval of smoking (OR = 2.11 [1.18–3.77]) and approval of e-cigarettes (OR = 2.44 [1.73–3.45]), and with accurate nicotine harm perceptions (OR = 2.05 [1.28–3.28]). Accurate nicotine harm perceptions were higher among those aged 16+ (OR = 2.60 [1.62–4.16]), from North England (OR = 1.87 [1.02–3.43]) and Wales/Scotland (OR = 2.61 [1.35–5.03]) vs. London, with family smoking (OR = 1.59 [1.05–2.42]), and with accurate e-cigarette harm perceptions (OR = 2.12 [1.32–3.41]). Conclusions: Many young people have inaccurate harm perceptions of e-cigarettes and nicotine. Accurate e-cigarette and nicotine harm perceptions were associated with one another. E-cigarette use was associated with accurate e-cigarette but not nicotine harm perceptions; smoking was not associated with either.
Article
Background: Electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) have been gaining popularity, increasingly used to help reduce or cease smoking traditional cigarettes (T-cigs). Although E-cigs are considered a far less harmful alternative to T-cigs, there is not enough information regarding the effects of vaping E-cigs on periodontal health. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of vaping E-cigs, smoking T-cigs and smoking cessation on oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines levels and periodontal clinical parameters in patients with periodontitis. Methods: The study included a total of 57 individuals who were divided into three groups: T-cig smokers (Group I, n = 19), E-cig vapers (Group II, n = 19) and former smokers (Group III, n = 19). Full-mouth clinical periodontal parameters were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected. Results: The mean interleukin-8 (IL-8) level of Group I (70.47 ± 2.76) was significantly lower than in Groups II and III. The mean tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level of Group I (4.20 ± 0.14) was significantly higher than in Groups II and III. Conclusions: T-cigs and vaping E-cigs had the same unfavourable effects on the markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.
Article
Background The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking and abuse of substance among young people aged 14-18 in a city of Turkey and to determine the relationship between smoking and substance abuse risk. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on high school students studying in Bingöl city center. The universe of the study consists of 14000 students studying in 14 high schools. The minimum sample size required to be reached in the sample size analysis with reference to 80% power and 99% confidence interval was found to be 1235. According to the stratified sampling method, the students were randomly reached in schools and questionnaires were conducted under supervision by taking their consent. Chi-square test, Binary Logistic Regression test were used for data analysis. Results The mean age of the students was 15.71 ± 1.16 (min-max: 14-18) and 49.5% were male. The prevalence of smoking among all students is 15.8%, addictive substance use / trial frequency 5% except smoking. The prevalence of smoking among male students is 24.1%, in female students 7.7%. The rate of using addictive substance was found to be 8.2% for male students and 1.9% for female students except smoking. According to the results of Logistic Regression; substance abuse increases 8 (95% CI:3,32-19,95) fold in smokers (p = 0,001) and 2.5 (95% CI:1,10-5,38) fold in men (p = 0,027). The risk of substance use increases 1.05 (95% CI:1,02-1,08) fold as the number of cigarettes smoked daily (p = 0,001). Substance abuse risk of 18-year-olds shows increase 1.5 (95% CI:1,06-1,93) fold according to 14 years old (p = 0,021). Conclusions Smoking and addictive substance use in adolescents are particularly remarkable in male students (8.2%). This result is higher than the data reflecting Ä°stanbul (7%). This may be due to the fact that the province is located at the crossing point of drug traffic. Smoking increases the risk of other addictive substances (marijuana, heroin, etc.). Key messages Smoking and substance abuse is an important health problem in adolescents according to this study. Male students smoke are at risk of substance abuse more than female.
Article
Importance The prevalence of e-cigarette use among US youth increased from 2011 to 2018. Continued monitoring of the prevalence of e-cigarette and other tobacco product use among youth is important to inform public health policy, planning, and regulatory efforts. Objective To estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use among US high school and middle school students in 2019 including frequency of use, brands used, and use of flavored products. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional analyses of a school-based nationally representative sample of 19 018 US students in grades 6 to 12 participating in the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey. The survey was conducted from February 15, 2019, to May 24, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Self-reported current (past 30-day) e-cigarette use estimates among high school and middle school students; frequent use (≥20 days in the past 30 days) and usual e-cigarette brand among current e-cigarette users; and use of flavored e-cigarettes and flavor types among current exclusive e-cigarette users (no use of other tobacco products) by school level and usual brand. Prevalence estimates were weighted to account for the complex sampling design. Results The survey included 10 097 high school students (mean [SD] age, 16.1 [3.0] years; 47.5% female) and 8837 middle school students (mean [SD] age, 12.7 [2.8] years; 48.7% female). The response rate was 66.3%. An estimated 27.5% (95% CI, 25.3%-29.7%) of high school students and 10.5% (95% CI, 9.4%-11.8%) of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use. Among current e-cigarette users, an estimated 34.2% (95% CI, 31.2%-37.3%) of high school students and 18.0% (95% CI, 15.2%-21.2%) of middle school students reported frequent use, and an estimated 63.6% (95% CI, 59.3%-67.8%) of high school students and 65.4% (95% CI, 60.6%-69.9%) of middle school students reported exclusive use of e-cigarettes. Among current e-cigarette users, an estimated 59.1% (95% CI, 54.8%-63.2%) of high school students and 54.1% (95% CI, 49.1%-59.0%) of middle school students reported JUUL as their usual e-cigarette brand in the past 30 days; among current e-cigarette users, 13.8% (95% CI, 12.0%-15.9%) of high school students and 16.8% (95% CI, 13.6%-20.7%) of middle school students reported not having a usual e-cigarette brand. Among current exclusive e-cigarette users, an estimated 72.2% (95% CI, 69.1%-75.1%) of high school students and 59.2% (95% CI, 54.8%-63.4%) of middle school students used flavored e-cigarettes, with fruit, menthol or mint, and candy, desserts, or other sweets being the most commonly reported flavors. Conclusions and Relevance In 2019, the prevalence of self-reported e-cigarette use was high among high school and middle school students, with many current e-cigarette users reporting frequent use and most of the exclusive e-cigarette users reporting use of flavored e-cigarettes.
Article
Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine adolescent perceptions of harms and benefits associated with electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and their associations with use. Methods: Data from the 2016 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey were analyzed in 2017. Participants who were in high school aged 14-17 years were included (n=22,884). Logistic regression analyses were used to compare e-cigarette use groups on perceived harms and benefits of e-cigarettes. Results: Less than one half of the sample reported that e-cigarettes are harmful to their health and less than two thirds reported that individuals can get addicted to e-cigarettes. Compared with committed never users, susceptible never users and all e-cigarette use groups were less likely to report that e-cigarettes were harmful to their health, people can get addicted to e-cigarettes, and that smoke from others' e-cigarettes were harmful. Furthermore, susceptible never users and all use groups were more likely to report that it would be easy to quit using e-cigarettes than committed never users. Susceptible never users and all use groups were also more likely to perceive benefits of e-cigarette use including having more friends, looking cool or fitting in, feeling more comfortable in social situations, and stress relief compared with committed never users. Conclusions: Youth who are susceptible to use, currently use, or have used e-cigarettes are less likely to report harms and more likely to perceive benefits associated with e-cigarette use compared with committed never users. Addressing harm and benefit perceptions may be important for interventions designed to reduce e-cigarette use among adolescents.