Abstract
Tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, poses a significant health threat, particularly among youth in the US. While mental health conditions have been linked to conventional cigarette smoking, their role in e-cigarette initiation and transition to combustible tobacco remains underexplored. This study analyzes data from Waves 4 and 5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, focusing on 7,336 participants aged 12 to 17. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between externalizing and internalizing mental health symptoms and two outcomes: the initiation of e-cigarette use and the progression to combustible tobacco use. Covariates included age, gender, ethnicity, and race. Results: Among baseline never-users, both externalizing (OR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.03, 1.14]) and internalizing symptoms (OR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.25, 1.39]) were linked to higher odds of initiating e-cigarette use. Gender-specific analysis indicated externalizing conditions were significant for males, while both types of symptoms were significant for females. Among baseline e-cigarette-only users, externalizing symptoms increased the likelihood of transitioning to combustible tobacco use (OR = 1.39, 95% CI [1.08, 1.78]). Additionally, non-Hispanic youth and older adolescents (15-17 years) had higher odds of e-cigarette initiation. Youth with internalizing or externalizing mental health conditions are more likely to initiate e-cigarette use if they have never used tobacco products. Existing e-cigarette users with externalizing symptoms are more prone to transitioning to combustible tobacco. These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues in tobacco prevention efforts among adolescents.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
MENTAL HEALTH, TOBACCO USE, E-CIGARETTES, YOUTH, ADOLESCENTS, GENDER DIFFERENCES
