The compiled data also indicated that chewing tobacco, having smoking parents and friends who smoke, cigarette were associated with an increased likelihood of current smoking.
The research team employed 341 adolescents from Eastern Ethiopia between July and August 2020, and data were collected via questionnaire. The researchers found that the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adolescents was 21.1%. The compiled data also indicated that chewing tobacco, having smoking parents and friends who smoke, cigarette were associated with an increased likelihood of current smoking.
US studies looking into e-cigarette use behavior patterns amongst the same age group, found that a number of factors were involved in this. Some studies found that personality factors, curiosity and the “cool factor” played a main role in enticing teenagers to initiate vaping. This reflects arguments by tobacco harm reduction experts who have long been pointing out that the existence of flavours is not the main cause of teen vaping and that those likely to vape would be smoking in the absence of the safer alternatives.
Other factors
Other studies found that lifestyle factors played a role, whilst others indicated that teens who crave excitement are more likely to use multiple illicit substances, including tobacco and vaping products. Researchers Kevin Tan and Douglas C. Smith, found that those teens who are less satisfied with their lives and seek out risky and exciting experiences are the ones more likely to use multiple illicit substances regularly, including nicotine via e-cigarettes. Additionally, found the study, the participants’ attitude towards vaping also reflected how they viewed other substances.
Focus on Teen Vaping Prevention is Negatively Affecting Adult Smoking Cessation Efforts
