PREVALENCE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

Smoking is a global epidemic that has posed serious health concerns for many years. Recently, e-cigarettes and innovative heated tobacco products have become increasingly popular among young people in various European countries, including Lithuania. The increased prevalence of e-cigarette use among youth is attributed to several factors, including the misconception that e-cigarettes are harmless. One of the primary reasons why adolescents use e-cigarettes is social acceptance and companionship. Given the rapid spread of e-cigarette use among young people and the fact that the long-term consequences of their use may not be less than those of conventional tobacco products, it is important to analyse in detail their use patterns and causes in order to reduce their spread. This study aims to determine the prevalence, habits, and causes of e-cigarette smoking among young people aged 18-35 in a north-eastern Lithuanian town. To achieve the objective of the study, a descriptive research design was employed and primary data were collected by means of a survey method, based on a questionnaire developed by the authors of this study. 351 young people aged between 18 and 35 in the north-eastern Lithuanian town participated in the survey, over the course of March and April 2023. Study shows that of all respondents, 44.4% had smoked (vaped) at least once in the last 12 months and 10% had smoked (vaped) at some point in the past 12 months but had quit. The largest proportion (34%) smoke only e-cigarettes and 25% only heated tobacco products (HTPs). More than half (54.5%) of young smokers in the city of study have smoked (vaped) for more than five years and almost 39% for more than one year. Almost 90% of smokers smoke and/or vape daily. 31% smoke and/or vape 6-10 times a day. Almost 14% of smokers smoke and/or vape more than 20 times a day.