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Exploring Attitudes of Children 12–17 Years of Age Toward Electronic Cigarettes

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore electronic cigarettes (EC) use among youth. Focus group sessions with youth (aged 12–17) were held to explore their knowledge and attitudes about EC use. Content analysis techniques were used. There has been an increase in the visibility and accessibility of EC in the past few years among youth. Compared with conventional cigarettes (CC), youth indicated that they would be more willing to use EC under their peer influence. This was motivated by the perception that EC were less harmful. Among youth EC are perceived as less harmful, easier to access and use than CC. Youth do not appear to have received much education about EC. However, they were not convinced that EC were risk free. Clear and unambiguous education about the risk of engaging in any form of smoking/vaping and enforcement of access restrictions appear to be required.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Lily Kwok, Calgary Chinese Community Services Association; Diane Danielson and Sue Ramsden East/South Calgary Health Center; Julie Van Wensem Tobacco Reduction Counsellor, Youth Addiction Services, Calgary, for their contribution to project planning and completion. We would like to also acknowledge Dawitt Mussie, Chinese Community Services Association, for his effort in data collection and contribution to data analysis.

Funding

This study was funded by Alberta Health Services, Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy (ATRS) community grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-150 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G2G3, Canada

    Fadi Hammal & Barry A. Finegan

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  1. Fadi Hammal
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  2. Barry A. Finegan
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Correspondence to Fadi Hammal.

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Hammal, F., Finegan, B.A. Exploring Attitudes of Children 12–17 Years of Age Toward Electronic Cigarettes. J Community Health 41, 962–968 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-016-0178-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-016-0178-6

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