Electronic Delivery Systems: An Adolescent Educational Initiative

Abstract

Adolescent consumption of Electronic Delivery Systems (EDS) is considered an epidemic by the Surgeon General for being the most commonly used method of consuming nicotine, chemically enhanced flavorings, THC, or other additives. The increase in prevalence can be correlated to delayed regulations and sanctions, increased advertisements, and disinformation throughout various platforms in the US. The current adolescent perception is that these devices are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, even though harmful carcinogenic agents and irritants are present. As a result, the current perception has increased the number of hospitalizations from pathophysiological disturbances in the brain and lungs, e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury (EVALI), and addiction rates. Furthermore, to date, analysis of EDS in the local community of Seminole County, Florida, has been minimally addressed, although local school officials have declared concern. Due to the lack of data from the most rapidly growing EDS consumers, this project aimed to address knowledge, susceptibility, perceived risks, and intent for these devices' future consumption. An EDS assessment of adolescent quantitative knowledge from Forest Lake Academy (FLA) students in Orlando, Florida, was performed. Unfortunately, the scholarly project yielded a poor response rate (n=0) of the possible 428 students. Since no statistical analysis was performed, a literature review on incentives and the most appropriate methods to attract adolescents into participating into the scholarly project was evaluated.

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Keywords

Electronic smoking, marijuana, THC, adolescents, perceived effects, adverse effects, prevalence, incidence, education, knowledge deficit

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