Vaping and adolescents: results of a survey in two Pediatric Pulmonology Clinics
Abstract
Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) deliver nicotine, simulating traditional smoking without tobacco combustion. Recently, there has been a significant increase in their use, especially among young people, raising growing concerns about health risks, as demonstrated by an increasing number of studies. Objectives: To investigate the perception of risk attributed to ECs among adolescents with pneumo-allergological conditions. Materials and Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was administered to patients over 12 years old followed by our Pediatric Pulmonology clinics at the Pediatric Unit of Pisa and Buzzi Hospital in Milan. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: a) knowledge of the risks related to ECs, b) AECQ questionnaire on expectations regarding EC use, c) ECAS questionnaire on attitudes toward ECs. Results: Seventy adolescents were recruited in the study (mean age 14.2 ± 1.6 years, 60% male) between October 2023 and February 2025. A total of 81% were aware that ECs do not facilitate smoking cessation. Over 90% would not use them in enclosed spaces, and 67% were aware of the harmful effects of passive smoking/vaping, although 80% did not know what third-hand smoke is. Additionally, 68% reported having a family member or friend who uses ECs, and 20% had used them at least once. Awareness was lower regarding heated tobacco devices (49% unsure whether their effects were similar to traditional smoking). Conclusions: Our study highlights the partial…
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