Introduction
The use of e-cigarettes among high school students in the United States has seen a significant rise, as highlighted in the research article "E-cigarette use among high school students in the United States prior to the COVID-19 pandemic: Trends, correlates, and sources of acquisition." Understanding these trends is crucial for practitioners aiming to improve their intervention strategies and outcomes for youth. This blog explores the key findings from the study and discusses how practitioners can leverage this information to enhance their practice.
Key Findings from the Research
The study utilized data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) between 2015 and 2019 to assess trends in e-cigarette use among U.S. high school students. Here are some of the critical findings:
- The prevalence of current e-cigarette use increased from 24.0% in 2015 to 32.7% in 2019.
- Frequent e-cigarette use, indicative of greater nicotine dependence, rose from 22.6% to 45.4% among current users during the same period.
- The increase in e-cigarette use was more pronounced among youth experiencing psychosocial stressors such as bullying.
- There was a shift in how students acquired e-cigarettes, with a decrease in purchases from stores and an increase in borrowing from peers.
- A significant proportion of youth tobacco users attempted to quit, with 47.6% making quit attempts in 2019.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners working with youth, especially those providing online therapy services like TinyEYE, can use these findings to tailor their interventions more effectively. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Address Psychosocial Stressors: Since e-cigarette use is higher among students experiencing stress, integrating stress management and resilience-building techniques into therapy sessions could help reduce reliance on e-cigarettes.
- Promote Awareness: Educating students about the risks of e-cigarette use and nicotine addiction can empower them to make informed choices. Practitioners can use data-driven discussions to highlight the increase in nicotine dependence among frequent users.
- Encourage Quit Attempts: With a significant number of students attempting to quit, providing support and resources for cessation can be highly beneficial. Programs tailored to youth, such as text-based support, could be explored.
- Monitor Acquisition Sources: Understanding how students access e-cigarettes can inform prevention strategies. Encouraging open discussions about peer pressure and social influences can help students resist borrowing or purchasing e-cigarettes from peers.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, ongoing research is essential to keep up with changing trends and behaviors. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about the latest studies and consider participating in research initiatives to contribute to the broader understanding of youth e-cigarette use.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: E-cigarette use among high school students in the United States prior to the COVID-19 pandemic: Trends, correlates, and sources of acquisition.
