Article: Adolescent Males' Awareness of and Willingness to Try Electronic Cigarettes

[Vocalek]

Elsevier

Abstract

Purpose

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a new type of device that delivers vaporized nicotine without the tobacco combustion of regular cigarettes. We sought to understand awareness of and willingness to try e-cigarettes among adolescent males, a group that is at risk for smoking initiation and may use e-cigarettes as a “gateway” to smoking.
Methods

A national sample of 11–19-year-old males (n = 228) completed an online survey in November 2011. We recruited participants through their parents, who were members of a panel of U.S. households constructed using random-digit dialing and addressed-based sampling.
Results

Only two participants (< 1%) had previously tried e-cigarettes. Among those who had not tried e-cigarettes, most (67%) had heard of them. Awareness was higher among older and non-Hispanic adolescents. Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) participants were willing to try either a plain or flavored e-cigarette, but willingness to try plain versus flavored varieties did not differ. Smokers were more willing to try any e-cigarette than nonsmokers (74% vs. 13%; OR 10.25, 95% CI 2.88, 36.46). Nonsmokers who had more negative beliefs about the typical smoker were less willing to try e-cigarettes (OR .58, 95% CI .43, .79).
Conclusions

Most adolescent males were aware of e-cigarettes, and a substantial minority were willing to try them. Given that even experimentation with e-cigarettes could lead to nicotine dependence and subsequent use of other tobacco products, regulatory and behavioral interventions are needed to prevent “gateway” use by adolescent nonsmokers. Campaigns promoting negative images of smokers or FDA bans on sales to youth may help deter use.

Use of e-cigarettes

Only 2 of 228 adolescents (< 1%) had previously tried an e-cigarette. Both of these participants also smoked regular cigarettes. We excluded these two adolescents from subsequent analyses.

I am struck by the fact that in discussion of willingness to try, there was no mention of nicotine. Seems to me that would be an important factor.

This preliminary finding suggests that, at present, candy or fruit flavors do not increase the attractiveness of e-cigarettes to adolescents... Similar to adult smokers, young smokers may also be attracted to e-cigarettes because they view them as a tool to quit smoking, an option for using nicotine in places where smoking is banned, or a less unpleasant version of regular cigarettes [9], [26].

Well, there goes the ANTZ theory that kids will become tobacco cigarette smokers if they use an e-cigarette.

Our findings are consistent with the prototype/willingness model. Believing that smokers were unattractive, immature, inconsiderate, or trashy was associated with reduced interest in trying e-cigarettes, possibly because respondents viewed e-cigarettes as similar—or even the same—as regular cigarettes. Thus, they were less willing to try a product that they associated with these negative prototypes. In line with the prototype/willingness model and given that teenagers are already influenced by images of smoking in the media [27], our findings suggest that presenting negative portrayals of smokers could potentially discourage nonsmokers from trying e-cigarettes.

I plead guilty to being trashy, but I resent being called inconsiderate and immature. TRASHY WOMEN Lyrics - CONFEDERATE RAILROAD

 

[VapApe]

And here I though all males were adolescent. I still dont know what I want to be when I grow up

 

[Vocalek]

Perhaps, hugged?

 

[JerryRM]

I don't ever want to grow up.

 

[Petrodus]

Well, there goes the ANTZ theory that kids will become tobacco cigarette smokers if they use an e-cigarette.

What bugs me the most is they will NOT Admit
the real reason they are apposed to e-cigarettes

Save the Children is just a flag they waive so not to
look foolish.

The "sound-byte" bottom line cut-to-the-chase is:
They are opposed to e-cigarettes because e-cigarettes
reminds them of smoking. They are opposed to Anything
that would even remind them of tobacco.

 

[Xamicon]

Vaping as a gateway to smoking? Lmfao! That's ......ed. Anyone that starts on a PV will abhor the taste and smell of analogs, and more than likely, they will, like us, try to convert all their smelly friends. I am VERY glad however for their noticing that flavored vapes don't attract newbies any more than standard and menthol.

 

[Petrodus]

Another thing that really bugs me is
all those opposed to e-cigarettes feel free
to make up any lie they wish with a full sense of immunity.

We, on the other hand, believe Truth is on our side
and Truth will win out in the end.

If I was in charge of the fight ...
I would suggest doing the same thing as the "Divider in Chief".
Lie and Demonize the opposition. Well ... it obviously works !!

Truthful sarcasm

 

[VapApe]

I am all for calling health care malpractice, On any org, That toes the BP/FDA party line.