Global youth e-cigarette use: prevalence, risks, and regulatory policy impacts

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and vapes, have emerged as a significant global public health concern, particularly among youth. The alarming rise in e-cig use among young people, often surpassing adult usage rates in certain regions, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Despite the perception that e-cigs are less harmful than traditional tobacco products, they pose notable health risks, such as respiratory issues and exacerbation of asthma. A critical challenge is the lack of regulatory policies in many countries, with 74 nations having no regulations on ENDS products and 88 lacking a minimum legal age for e-cig purchases. This regulatory vacuum, coupled with the introduction of new products and flavors, has led to varying prevalence rates of youth e-cig use across different income countries. The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the MPOWER policy package offer a foundational approach to tackling this issue. However, there is a pressing need for policies informed by comprehensive data on risk and protective factors across individual, familial, community, and policy levels. Current large-scale surveys, such as the International Tobacco Youth Survey and the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, provide valuable data to explore these factors and inform effective regulatory and prevention strategies.

This research topic aims to gather empirical evidence that can guide the development of effective regulatory policies and prevention strategies to curb youth e-cig use and mitigate associated health risks. The research seeks to answer critical questions about the prevalence of youth e-cig use, the impact of regulatory policies, and the interplay between e-cig use and other substance use. By examining these aspects, the research aims to inform policy decisions and prevention efforts that can effectively address the rising trend of e-cig use among youth.

To gather further insights into the global landscape of youth e-cig use and its implications, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• regional and cross-national characterization of youth e-cig prevalence in relation to risk and protective factors;
• analysis of regulatory policy impacts on youth e-cig use and associated health outcomes;
• examination of time trends in youth e-cig use concerning changes in regulatory policy and product availability;
• research on the trajectories of youth e-cig use in relation to other substance use, including dual use with combustible tobacco and co-use with alcohol and cannabis;
• studies on the influence of advertising and marketing on youth e-cig use;
• evaluation of the effectiveness of youth e-cig prevention and intervention programs;
• systematic reviews and meta-analyses (pre-registration required) addressing gaps in the literature on youth e-cig use.

Keywords: e-cigarettes, vape, nicotine, tobacco control, adolescent, young adult

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.