Young adults and disposable e-cigarettes – epidemiological study

Aleksandra Sójka; Jan Łaszkiewicz; Jacek Burzyński; Wojciech Krajewski; Mariusz Stępień; Małgorzata Koziarska-Rościszewska

doi:10.5114/fmpcr.2024.144919

eISSN: 2449-8580
ISSN: 1734-3402

Family Medicine & Primary Care Review

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4/2024
vol. 26

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abstract:

Original paper

Young adults and disposable e-cigarettes – epidemiological study

Aleksandra Sójka

¹

,

Jan Łaszkiewicz

²

,

Jacek Burzyński

³

,

Wojciech Krajewski

²

,

Mariusz Stępień

¹

,

Małgorzata Koziarska-Rościszewska

¹

Family Medicine, Internal Diseases and Social Pharmacology Department, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland

Family Medicine & Primary Care Review 2024; 26(4): 506–512

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/fmpcr.2024.144919

Online publish date: 2024/12/29

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Background
In recent years, many alternatives to combustible cigarettes have appeared. Lately, disposable e-cigarettes (DECs) have been rapidly gaining popularity, especially among young people.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of single-use e-cigarettes and the vaping habits of their users.

Material and methods
An anonymous survey created by the authors was conducted among the Polish population (aged 18–30), recruited using social media platforms. Information on awareness of cigarette-like products, smoking history and habits were collected. Furthermore, the Modified Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used to assess the level of nicotine dependence.

Results
Among 410 recruited participants, 134 (32.68%) were active users of DECs, which was the most common nicotine delivery system. The median age of the respondents was 21 (interquartile range (IQR) 19–24). 64.15% of the participants were female. Interestingly, women used DECs more often than men (37.88% vs 23.28%, p = 0.003). 43% of people who did not actively use DECs have tried this product in the past. Overall, the median age of first use of DECs was 19 (IQR 17–22). Among active consumers, the most common reason for using DECs for the first time was the variety of enjoyable flavors (76.12%). 60.45% showed low nicotine dependency, while 38.81% were moderately nicotine dependent.

Conclusions
DECs were the most common nicotine delivery systems among young adults. Women were especially prone to use single-use e-cigarettes. DECs are often associated with high nicotine consumption and a young initiation age. The results of this study are alarming and indicate the need to educate society.

keywords:

Young adults and disposable e-cigarettes – epidemiological study

Aleksandra Sójka 1 , Jan Łaszkiewicz 2 , Jacek Burzyński 3 , Wojciech Krajewski 2 , Mariusz Stępień 1 , Małgorzata Koziarska-Rościszewska 1

nicotine, adolescent, electronic nicotine delivery systems, vaping

Aleksandra Sójka

¹

,

Jan Łaszkiewicz

²

,

Jacek Burzyński

³

,

Wojciech Krajewski

²

,

Mariusz Stępień

¹

,

Małgorzata Koziarska-Rościszewska

¹