Sfax: One in three adolescents consumes e-cigarettes, according to a study

A medical study conducted in Sfax, Tunisia, reveals a significant prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents, with 33.7% of surveyed teenagers reporting consumption. The research, involving 980 adolescents from local middle and high schools, highlights a growing public health concern regarding vaping among young people.

The study, carried out by physicians from Habib Bourguiba and Hédi Chaker university hospitals and the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, aimed to assess the extent of e-cigarette use and identify contributing factors. Findings indicate that the average age for initiating e-cigarette use is 14 years old. Curiosity emerged as the leading reason for trying e-cigarettes, cited by 77.9% of participants, while social issues accounted for 22.1%.

Researchers noted a particularly marked consumption among boys and in urban settings. The study also suggested a link between e-cigarette use and academic failure, although the data did not establish a direct causal relationship. The average age of the participants was 15, with 63.6% living in rural areas and 43.3% belonging to lower socioeconomic groups.

Given the observed prevalence, the study's authors expressed concern about the potential for long-term e-cigarette use among adolescents. They strongly advocate for enhanced prevention strategies within the educational system, emphasizing the need for better student awareness of the risks associated with e-cigarettes. Furthermore, they stressed the critical role of families in prevention efforts, especially for adolescents from vulnerable backgrounds. The researchers recommend a combined approach involving school-based prevention, family engagement, and adolescent support to curb the rise of e-cigarette use.