Adolescents’ Experiences and Perceptions of E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Addiction

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21645839
AutoresClaudia Guerra Castillo (0000-0002-6277-7152, University of California, San Francisco), Kristin S Hoeft (0000-0001-6642-3231, University of California, San Francisco), Elizabeth T Couch (0000-0002-4149-9376, University of California, San Francisco), Janelle Urata (0000-0002-1150-5667, University of California, San Francisco), Bonnie Halpern‐felsher (0000-0001-9276-1322, Stanford Medicine), Bonnie Halpern-Felsher (Stanford University), Benjamin W Chaffee (0000-0002-2046-4035, University of California, San Francisco, autor de correspondencia)
Año2024
Volumen59
Número13
Páginas1981-1989
Fecha de publicación2024-11-09
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2024.2392516
PMID39287112
OpenAlexW4402568202
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas39

BACKGROUND: E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development. METHODS: Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13-17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction. RESULTS: Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids. CONCLUSIONS: For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support

Addiction · Electronic cigarette · Environmental health · Nicotine · Nicotine Addiction · Perception · Psychiatry · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study · Psychology · Smoking Behavior and Cessation · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes