Demographic Characteristics Associated With Adolescent Receipt of Provider E-Cigarette Screening and Advice and the Impact on Harm Perception

Abstract

Introduction

The growing prevalence of E-cigarette use among adolescents is alarming because it increases the probability of persistent tobacco use and addiction to nicotine. Healthcare providers are in a unique position to influence their patients’ use of E-cigarettes. The purpose of the study is to determine the frequency at which providers screen adolescents for E-cigarette use and advise against use during healthcare visits. The study also examines associations between provider intervention and adolescent harm perception.

Methods

Using data from the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey, the authors examined provider E-cigarette screening and advice to not use from 16,910 participants who self-reported receiving medical care within the preceding year. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess whether the odds of provider intervention varied by age, sex, and race/ethnicity and whether receiving provider intervention was associated with a likelihood for harm perception.

Results

Provider intervention was more likely among those aged 13–18 years, who are male, and who are White and/or non-Hispanic (p<0.001). The authors found no association between provider intervention and increased harm perception of E-cigarettes; however, provider intervention was associated with the belief that E-cigarettes are equally or more addictive than cigarettes (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Study findings emphasize the significance of addressing disparities in E-cigarette use and healthcare provider intervention among minority adolescents, underscoring the need for healthcare providers to be thorough in screening for E-cigarette use and providing appropriate cessation support.