Understanding E-Cigarette Susceptibility Among Young Adults

A recent study sheds light on the growing trend of e-cigarette susceptibility among young adults in India, revealing that nearly 61 percent of individuals aged 15 to 30 who have never used electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may be inclined to try vaping in the future.

Factors Influencing E-Cigarette Susceptibility

The study, based on an international survey involving 4,007 participants, including 456 from India, identified exposure to e-cigarette advertising as the second most significant factor influencing susceptibility, following current or past tobacco use. Conversely, perceptions of harmfulness were found to reduce the likelihood of susceptibility.

Urgent Need for Intervention

Sudhir Raj Thout, a Research Fellow at the Institute in India, emphasized the urgent need for interventions and comprehensive campaigns addressing the risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly among the youth population.

Key Findings and Concerns

The survey revealed that a significant portion of Indian respondents expressed curiosity about e-cigarettes, with many indicating willingness to try them if offered by a friend or harboring intentions to use them within the next year. Additionally, nearly half of Indian participants reported exposure to e-cigarette advertising, highlighting a trend comparable to other countries where the study was conducted.

Challenges and Recommendations

Despite efforts to regulate e-cigarette usage through legislation such as the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act introduced in 2019, challenges persist, including the accessibility of these products to young individuals through non-compliant retailers. The researchers advocate for a complete ban on e-cigarette advertising and the implementation of awareness campaigns highlighting the detrimental effects of vaping.

Conclusion

As India grapples with a significant portion of its population using tobacco in various forms, addressing the rising susceptibility to e-cigarette use among young adults becomes paramount. Urgent action is needed to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s youth from the potential harms of e-cigarettes.