Electronic Cigarettes, Research Paper Example

Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular and intriguing to teens and older adults. Many perceive this alternative as less dangerous than regular cigarettes and have taken up this habit in replacement of the original offering. However, this is not the case, as these cigarettes appear to be as dangerous as regular cigarettes for all users. The perceptions of this age group, however, are particularly intriguing and important because it reflects a need to evaluate how their behaviors may influence their decisions regarding these cigarettes and what is required to promote prevention and the desire to try these cigarettes with the potential to become addicted. These articles, generated from Google Scholar, demonstrate an important means of understanding the perceptions of young people with respect to electronic cigarettes.

Choi, Kelvin, et al. “Young adults’ favorable perceptions of snus, dissolvable tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes: findings from a focus group study.” American journal of public health 102.11 (2012): 2088-2093.

This article addresses the significance of perceptions in regards to a number of products related to tobacco use, including but not limited to electronic cigarettes. This study utilized a focus group method to establish discussions with 66 young adults in order to determine whether or not they were supportive or in favor of these new products (Choi 2088). The study results indicate that there are a number of perceptions regarding electronic cigarettes, with some participants believing that they are safer than regular cigarettes, while others believe that they are just as dangerous (Choi 2088). One-half of all study participants stated that if they were given these products to try, they would use them (Choi 2088). Finally, the study sought to better understand the issues related to these perceptions, such as flavored cigarettes, and how there might be a lower level of interest if they were not appealing to young adults (Choi 2088).

Pepper, Jessica K., et al. “Adolescent males’ awareness of and willingness to try electronic cigarettes.” Journal of Adolescent Health 52.2 (2013): 144-150.

This article addresses the significance of how adolescent males perceive electronic cigarettes and their level of risk as well as what factors contribute to their willingness to use these cigarettes (Pepper 144). It is believed that these cigarettes may contribute to a “gateway” to try regular smoking, which is discouraged throughout most of society and to preserve a patient’s health (Pepper 144). An online survey recruited participants between the ages of 11 and 19 for a survey that was determined via random digit phone dialing and sampling within specific addresses (Pepper 144). Upon review of the study results, it was determined that approximately two-thirds of all study participants were familiar with the name and function of electronic cigarettes (Pepper 144). Most importantly, non-Hispanic adolescents and those who were older were more likely to have a stronger awareness of electronic cigarettes (Pepper 144). This also reflects a need to better evaluate the conditions under which an individual teen is willing or is likely to try an electronic cigarette (Pepper 144). As a result, the term “gateway” is commonly used in order to determine how individuals respond to an offering of electronic cigarettes and what is required to deter them from this process, such as improved promotional materials that do not target teenagers and warn all persons of the risk associated with this behavior for adolescents (Pepper 144). As a result, new interventions are required that will have a significant impact on this population in order to prevent them from partaking in this habit under any circumstances, as this could contributed to a negative consequence in a young person’s health at a premature age.

Choi, Kelvin, and Jean Forster. “Characteristics associated with awareness, perceptions, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems among young US Midwestern adults.” American journal of public health 103.3 (2013): 556-561.

The purpose of this article was to address the beliefs and perceptions of young adults in regards to electronic cigarettes. This study evaluated 2,624 young adults in the Midwest and it was determined that over 40 percent believed that electronic cigarettes would have a positive impact on smoking cessation, while others believed that electronic cigarettes did not have the same level of harm (Choi & Forster 556). In this context, it is observed that there must be greater communication regarding electronic cigarettes in order to warn individuals of the potential risk with their use on a continuous basis (Choi & Forster 556). This also requires a means of communicating regarding health information so that young adults are able to make educated decisions regarding the use of electronic cigarettes (Choi & Forster 556).

Durmowicz, Elizabeth L. “The impact of electronic cigarettes on the paediatric population.” Tobacco control 23.suppl 2 (2014): ii41-ii46.

This study reflects the importance of electronic cigarettes on children, using studies for those under the age of 18, survey information provided by states, and adverse events reports were provided as a means of understanding the risks of electronic cigarettes (Durmowicz ii41). Most importantly, the study indicates that there is an ever-increasing rate of awareness among children of electronic cigarettes; however, knowledge regarding the potential use of these cigarettes among this group is very limited (Durmowicz ii41). These findings suggest that there is a significant need to study the effects of electronic cigarettes on children, but to also recognize the risks among this population group (Durmowicz 141)  This is an important step because it reflects the need to educate young people as early as possible and to develop strategies that will enable them to stay away from electronic cigarettes throughout their lives (Durmowicz 141).

Works Cited

Choi, Kelvin, and Jean Forster. “Characteristics associated with awareness, perceptions, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems among young US Midwestern adults.” American journal of public health 103.3 (2013): 556-561.

Choi, Kelvin, et al. “Young adults’ favorable perceptions of snus, dissolvable tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes: findings from a focus group study.”American journal of public health 102.11 (2012): 2088-2093.

Durmowicz, Elizabeth L. “The impact of electronic cigarettes on the paediatric population.” Tobacco control 23.suppl 2 (2014): ii41-ii46.

Pepper, Jessica K., et al. “Adolescent males’ awareness of and willingness to try electronic cigarettes.” Journal of Adolescent Health 52.2 (2013): 144-150.