The Impact of Education on the Prevention of e-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
2nd Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Nursing
3rd Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
3rd Student Major
Nursing
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
KY House District #
68; 67; 69
KY Senate District #
23; 24
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Anita Phillips, MSN, RN and Judi Godsey, PhD, MSN, RN
Department
NKU College of Health and Human Services
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular among adolescents in the United States, with usage increasing by 9.8% from 2011 to 2016. The appealing flavors, easy access, flashy advertisements and plethora of devices have created the misconception that e-cigarettes pose minimal health risks. Adolescent use of e-cigarettes is associated with health risks including nicotine addiction, polytobacco use and lung damage. However, the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are unknown. This project evaluated the role of targeted education in preventing the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents aged 14 to 18. A comprehensive literature review revealed a lack of research evaluating the effects of prevention education on the use of e-cigarettes. Many public schools in the United States do not implement e-cigarette education, despite findings reported in the literature suggesting a positive correlation between targeted education and e-cigarette avoidance. Therefore, comprehensive educational campaigns should be created and implemented. It would be beneficial to provide standardized curriculum in schools and increase screenings of e-cigarette usage among adolescents and parents during hospitalizations and routine appointments. Additionally, the provision of education is an important opportunity to correct common misinformation surrounding the use of e-cigarettes, as adolescents are frequently unaware of their high nicotine and chemical content. Health care professionals are in a unique position to facilitate significant change to raise awareness of the harmful health effects associated with e-cigarette use. Additional research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of education on e-cigarette usage patterns and lingering health risks that may result. The increasing usage of e-cigarettes is linked to greater tobacco use among adolescents who may not have used tobacco otherwise, thus highlighting the need for ongoing educational interventions supported by empirical research.
The Impact of Education on the Prevention of e-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular among adolescents in the United States, with usage increasing by 9.8% from 2011 to 2016. The appealing flavors, easy access, flashy advertisements and plethora of devices have created the misconception that e-cigarettes pose minimal health risks. Adolescent use of e-cigarettes is associated with health risks including nicotine addiction, polytobacco use and lung damage. However, the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are unknown. This project evaluated the role of targeted education in preventing the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents aged 14 to 18. A comprehensive literature review revealed a lack of research evaluating the effects of prevention education on the use of e-cigarettes. Many public schools in the United States do not implement e-cigarette education, despite findings reported in the literature suggesting a positive correlation between targeted education and e-cigarette avoidance. Therefore, comprehensive educational campaigns should be created and implemented. It would be beneficial to provide standardized curriculum in schools and increase screenings of e-cigarette usage among adolescents and parents during hospitalizations and routine appointments. Additionally, the provision of education is an important opportunity to correct common misinformation surrounding the use of e-cigarettes, as adolescents are frequently unaware of their high nicotine and chemical content. Health care professionals are in a unique position to facilitate significant change to raise awareness of the harmful health effects associated with e-cigarette use. Additional research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of education on e-cigarette usage patterns and lingering health risks that may result. The increasing usage of e-cigarettes is linked to greater tobacco use among adolescents who may not have used tobacco otherwise, thus highlighting the need for ongoing educational interventions supported by empirical research.