Vaping. It is a rising epidemic that affects approximately 22-30% of young adults. And the number is growing! In every corner, every bus stop and sidewalk we witness people vaping on their devices. What is the concern? We do not know enough about its long-term side effects.
Although vape devices contain no tobacco, it does contain nicotine traced liquid, which can lead to addiction. Not to mention the destructive influence of nicotine on cognitive activities. The threat of addiction to vape in teens and young adults is far greater than any other substance such as weed, alcohol and tobacco cigarettes.
Unfortunately, vapes and e-cigarettes are advertised as harmless, trendy and cool devices to attract the younger populations. Initially, e-cigarettes or vapes were used to aid in quitting cigarette smoking. However, for the younger generations, they have become means of socialization and gatherings. Most young adults use vapes for recreation and enjoyment.
Recent studies have found an increase in vape use among college and university students over the last decade. 28-44% of college and university students in the US had tried some sort of e-cigarette device. But why are young adults and teen drawn to this act? The answer is simple. Young adults like to experience new things and are highly influenced by their peers and social media. Additionally, young adults are more likely to engage in risk taking behaviours.
To further explore the relationship between risk seeking bevaiours and vaping, a study collected data from 452 University students and asked them to complete a 15 min survey on health-risk behaviours. The study consisted of 118 questions regarding cigarrete use, alcohol use, vape use, psychosocial adjustment, physical activity and nutrition.
Results
Almost 40% of participants reported lifetime use of vape or other forms of e-cigarettes. Participants who had engaged in risky alcohol use were more likely to have used vapes. Participants that reported vape use were more likely to use when with friends than alone.
Conclusion
Due to the lack of research about vaping, much is still left unknown. Thus, further researchers should take initiative and investigate the harmful side effects of vaping, and develop successful interventions for young adults.
Lanza, H. I., & Teeter, H. (2018). Electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarette/vape) use and co-occurring health-risk behaviors among an ethnically diverse sample of young adults. Substance use & Misuse, 53(1), 154-161. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/10.1080/10826084.2017.1327975
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