51: Why Our Young People Vape? --- A Trend Analysis

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center 

E-cigarette use among middle and high school students and college students steadily increased in the last decade, raising significant public health concerns. It is argued that e-cigarettes contain a lower level of toxicants than combustible tobacco cigarettes. This perception has contributed to the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among youth. However, lower level of toxicants does not mean addiction is less likely. In this study, we examine trends in the usage of electronic cigarettes among middle and high school students in the U.S. from 2018 to 2023 and college students from Kent State University, compare these patterns with traditional cigarette use over the same period and population, and explore the underlying reasons driving e-cigarette use within this demographic. Understanding patterns and motivations are essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. Our finding contradicts claims by e-cigarette manufacturers that their products facilitate smoking cessation. Further rising e-cigarette smoking exclusively is of public health concern, which warrants targeted intervention.

National Youth Tobacco Survey

adolescent behavioral health

college students

e-cigarettes

nicotine use

tobacco trends 

Section on Statistics in Epidemiology