A study conducted by the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University suggests that non-smoking teenagers who vape could face a heightened risk of developing asthma, with associated risk factors identified. The study calls for public health initiatives to curtail the usage of e-cigarettes among young people.
The research emphasizes the necessity of formulating strategies to combat the escalating trend of e-cigarette use and its negative health consequences.
Findings from a study at Texas A&M University indicate a potential rise in asthma risk among adolescents who engage in vaping, despite not using traditional cigarettes.
The practice of vaping, involving electronic cigarettes, has seen a significant rise among young people in recent years. While e-cigarettes contain fewer toxins than traditional cigarettes, they are not free of harmful chemicals and have been linked to respiratory illnesses.
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Insights on Vaping and Asthma from the Study
Published in Preventive Medicine, the study examined data from a national youth survey to explore the connection between vaping and asthma, and to pinpoint factors that might contribute to the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers.
Utilizing information from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a national database curated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the researchers gathered data from 2015 to 2019. The dataset comprised over 3,000 adolescents from Texas and over 32,000 from across the United States.
The survey collected responses on e-cigarette usage, frequency of use within the past 30 days, and any asthma diagnoses made by healthcare providers. The study also considered variables such as the participants’ gender, age, race, ethnicity, body mass index, and depressive symptoms, along with the use of other substances like alcohol, conventional cigarettes, and illegal drugs.
Correlation and Contributing Factors
The investigation revealed a link between the use of e-cigarettes and asthma in teenagers who have not smoked traditional tobacco. This suggests that vaping poses an independent risk factor for asthma in this demographic.
The analysis indicated that demographics, other substance use, and depressive symptoms are tied to vaping among adolescents. Those who smoked cigarettes, consumed alcohol, or used other substances, as well as those experiencing depression, were more inclined to vape. The study also noted that Hispanic teenagers in Texas were less likely to vape compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts, although this difference was not observed on a national level. Further research is required to understand the reasons behind the lower rates of e-cigarette usage among Hispanic youths in Texas.
Policy Implications and Summary
Dr. Taehyun Roh, the study’s primary investigator, suggests that public health interventions could include enhancing awareness of the dangers of vaping, tightening regulations, and promoting mental health coping strategies as alternatives to e-cigarette use.
Considering the health implications of asthma and the rising trend of e-cigarette use among young people, the researchers believe these insights will be instrumental in guiding public health measures aimed at reducing vaping among youth.
Citation: Roh, T., Uyamasi, K., Aggarwal, A., Obeng, A., & Carrillo, G. (2023). Association between e-cigarette use and asthma among US adolescents: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2015–2019. Preventive Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107695
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Teen Vaping Asthma Risk
Does vaping increase the risk of asthma in teenagers?
Yes, the study from Texas A&M University found that vaping is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in teenagers who do not smoke traditional tobacco products.
What factors are associated with e-cigarette use among adolescents?
The study identified that demographic factors, other substance use, and depressive symptoms are associated with increased e-cigarette use among adolescents.
Are there differences in e-cigarette use among different ethnic groups?
Yes, the study found that in Texas, Hispanic adolescents were less likely to use e-cigarettes compared to their non-Hispanic White peers. However, this disparity was not observed in the broader U.S. adolescent population.
What public health measures are being recommended to address teen vaping?
Public health measures recommended include increasing awareness of vaping’s harmful effects, implementing stricter regulations, and promoting alternative coping mechanisms for mental health issues to reduce e-cigarette use among youth.
Where can I find the study on the association between e-cigarette use and asthma?
The study is published in Preventive Medicine, titled “Association between e-cigarette use and asthma among US adolescents: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2015–2019” and can be accessed through its DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107695.
More about Teen Vaping Asthma Risk
- Texas A&M University Study on Vaping and Asthma
- Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
- Preventive Medicine Journal
- CDC on E-cigarettes and Youth
- National Survey Data on Adolescent E-cigarette Use
4 comments
really interesting study, shows we gotta be more careful with what we’re selling to kids these days, e-cigs seemed safer but guess not?
as a parent this scares me, I mean what’s next? We thought vaping was a solution to quit smoking, but turns out its just another problem for our kids.
good read but are we surprised? Big vape’s been targeting the youth for years now, it’s about time the research caught up with what most of us been saying.
saw this article and was like wow, didn’t know vaping’s this bad for teens, my cousin’s using one and now I’m kinda worried for her…