Vaping in Australia-Study Reveals Young People's E-cigarette Exposure
E-cigarettes have been a controversial topic in Australia due to their potential harm to young people. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health recently published a study that explored the use of e-cigarettes among Australian youth and young adults. The study found that despite Australia's restrictive regulatory environment, young people still have access to e-cigarettes and are exposed to vaping-related stimuli in their physical and social environments. In this article, we will discuss the key findings of the study and their implications for e-cigarette regulation in Australia.
Background
Australia has adopted a precautionary approach to regulating e-cigarettes due to concerns raised by the World Health Organization about their potential negative health consequences. Non-nicotine e-cigarettes can only be sold to individuals aged 18 years and over in most states, and advertising of e-cigarettes is banned in most types of media. However, e-cigarette use among 18-24-year-olds almost doubled from 2.8% in 2016 to 5.3% in 2019.
About the Study
The study aimed to explore various vaping-related behaviors and attitudes among Australian youth and young adults. A nationally representative sample of 1,006 Australians aged between 15 and 30 completed an online survey that included questions about e-cigarette use, intentions to use other tobacco products, usage locations, exposure to advertising, and awareness of the harms associated with e-cigarettes.
Key Results
The study found that the current use prevalence of e-cigarettes among young Australians was estimated to be 14%, significantly higher than 4.8% among 25–29-year-olds and 4.5% among 15–24-year-olds. Most current users reported vaping nicotine e-cigarettes, and young people under 18 found it relatively easy to obtain e-cigarettes in stores, suggesting that contraband devices are being used.
Current smoking status and the number of friends vaping were the strongest correlates of e-cigarette use. This highlights the need to manage environments to minimize the uptake of vaping by young people. The survey respondents expressed a preference for fruit-flavored and disposable e-cigarettes. It was surprising that about 25% of non-vapers reported spotting e-cigarette ads at petrol stations and supermarkets, despite the ban on promoting e-cigarettes in Australia.
Conclusions
The study's findings have implications for e-cigarette regulation in Australia. Despite the bans and restrictions, young adults are exposed to vaping-related stimuli in their physical and social environments and appear to be able to readily obtain e-cigarettes. There is a need for stronger surveillance and enforcement of regulations to minimize the harm done to young people by vaping.
FAQs:
Are e-cigarettes legal in Australia? Non-nicotine e-cigarettes can only be sold to individuals aged 18 years and over in most states in Australia.
What percentage of young Australians use e-cigarettes? The current use prevalence of e-cigarettes among young Australians was estimated to be 14%.
What is the strongest correlate of e-cigarette use among young people? Current smoking status and the number of friends vaping were the strongest correlates of e-cigarette use among young people.
What types of e-cigarettes do most current users in Australia vape? Most current users in Australia reported vaping nicotine e-cigarettes.
What steps can be taken to minimize the harm done to young people by vaping? There is a need for stronger surveillance and enforcement of regulations to minimize the harm done to young people by vaping.