Self-Perception of Risky Consumption and Emotional Factors Associated With Electronic Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective

Because the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic fostered an environment marked by limitations for social encounters and emotional fluctuations, it is essential to determine the variations in the consumption of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Electronic Non-nicotine Delivery Systems (ENNDS) during this period in young Colombians between 18 and 25 years of age, evaluating the emotional factors that affect the consumption mentioned above and the risky consumption.

Methods

After collecting data through a virtual survey, in this cross-sectional study a mainly descriptive analysis of variables related to the consumption of ENDS and ENNDS was carried out in parallel with three different mental health outcomes: depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

Results

Most participants reported a decrease or cessation of their consumption during the restrictive measures, which is consistent with the fact that more than half said that consumption was limited to social gatherings. Additionally, anxiety and loneliness symptoms are more present in those participants with risky consumption than those who do not.

Conclusion

Although the consumption of ENDS and ENNDS has a social predominance, there may be factors that modulate it. For this reason, it is essential to deepen research on this topic to propose public health strategies that allow this consumption to be mitigated.