Abstract
Electronic cigarette use has increased over the past decade. Its potential role in smoking cessation, in addiction and as a ‘gateway’ to tobacco smoking is subject to intense research. This cross-sectional study, carried out in 2013, aims to present the habits of students aged 13–15 in Greece with regard to e-cigarettes and investigate potential risk factors and the relationship between e-cigarettes, tobacco smoking and other nicotine products. It is the first such study to be carried out in Greece. The survey was based on the standardized methodology of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. All potential associations were investigated using multiple logistic regression. In total 2.8% of the 4096 participating students were current e-cigarette users and 12.3% of them were ever users. E-cigarette use was associated with male gender, being older, current use of combustible tobacco products and e-cigarette use in the family. Ever e-cigarette use, being older, female gender and higher pocket money were associated with an increased susceptibility to tobacco smoking. E-cigarette prevalence in Greece in 2013 was similar to that of other, developed countries. The smoking and vaping habits of adolescents must be monitored in order to assess trends over time and whether any policy alterations are necessary.
Highlights
E-cigarettes are battery-operated nicotine delivery devices consisting of a battery-powered system, a liquid container, an atomizing device and an inhaler that simulates the filter of conventional cigarettes [1]
The prevalence of experimentation with e-cigarettes was estimated at 12.3%
Other cross-sectional studies [37] have found that smoking in the family is positively associated with student e-cigarette use, whereas the current study found that e-cigarette use in the family is a predictor of student e-cigarette use
Summary
E-cigarettes are battery-operated nicotine delivery devices consisting of a battery-powered system, a liquid container, an atomizing device and an inhaler that simulates the filter of conventional cigarettes [1]. E-cigarette liquid contains a variety of toxic components, albeit at far lower quantities compared to tobacco smoke and often comparable to the trace amounts present in pharmaceutical nicotine inhalators [3,4,5]. Electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco and do not produce smoke, since no combustion occurs; they are recognized as tobacco products by the regulatory authorities of many countries [6]. They come in a variety of flavors such as coffee, vanilla or other sweets, mint and fruits, increasing its appeal to youth in particular. It has been suggested that e-cigarettes may be used for smoking cessation and they are promoted as a safer
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