Vaping has become increasingly popular among Canadian youth in recent years, with some vapes containing nicotine. The long-term effects of vaping on physical and mental health are still not fully understood. This article discusses the findings of a recent study on vaping amongst Canadian high school students.
The Study
The study was conducted by Brescia University College and Western University and surveyed over 38,000 Canadian high school students in grades 9 to 12. The findings revealed that 26% of high school students had vaped in the past month, with 12% using vapes containing nicotine exclusively.
Vaping and Nicotine Addiction
Vapes were initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, but research has shown that they are not without risks. The study found that vaping is exposing youth to nicotine and putting them at risk of addiction.
Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey (CSTADS)
The Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) is a survey that reports on the prevalence of different kinds of vaping while taking into account health and social differences among students. The 2019 survey was used to obtain data for this study.
Male vs. Female Students
Interestingly, the study found that male students were more likely to vape than females. This highlights the need for interventions targeted at specific groups of students.
Link to Other Substance Use
Students who used other substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis were also linked to those who vaped with or without nicotine. This suggests a potential link between substance use and the use of vapes, which should be explored further.
Age as a Factor
The study also highlighted age as a factor, with students in grades 10 and 11 showing a higher rate of nicotine vaping than those in grade 9. However, students in grade 9 were more likely to use both nicotine and nicotine-free vapes than those in grades 11 and 12.
Understanding the Risks of Nicotine-Free Vaping
It is important to note that youth who vape nicotine-free products tend to have a worse understanding of the risks associated with e-cigarette chemicals. This can lead to uninformed use and the misconception that the dangers of cigarette smoking are also exaggerated.
The Need for Targeted Interventions
The findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions aimed at specific groups of teens based on factors such as age and gender. By better understanding the differences amongst teens who vape, policy-makers can implement more effective measures to combat this worrying trend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study’s findings reveal an alarming trend of vaping amongst Canadian high school students. The use of vapes containing nicotine puts youth at risk of addiction and potential long-term health effects. The findings also highlight the need for targeted interventions to combat this trend and protect the health and well-being of Canadian youth.