Individual, parent, and school factors associated with e-cigarette use among Asian adolescents

ObjectiveE-cigarette use has become the predominant method of nicotine consumption among U.S. youth, posing significant public health implications. The current study addresses the scarce research on e-cigarette use among Asian American adolescents, a demographic group that has remained comparatively understudied.MethodsLeveraging data from the 2019-2020 Student Drug Use survey, the cross-sectional study investigates the interplay between e-cigarette use and psychosocial determinants among Asian American adolescents in the metropolitan area.ResultsResults indicate an 8.0% prevalence of e-cigarette use in the past year, with notable variations based on grade level and risk behaviors. Psychosocial factors such as low parental influence [OR = 1.88, 95% CI (1.35,2.61)], engagement in low prosocial activities [OR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.30, 2.44)], and high-risk behaviors [OR = 25.34, 95% CI (15.39,41.71)] correlate significantly with increased odds of e-cigarette use. Logistic regression analysis reinforces these associations, emphasizing the impact of risky behavior and ease of access on e-cigarette usage.ConclusionThe study informs targeted interventions at various levels, including schools, policy, community engagement, and cultural competency training, to address the escalating prevalence of e-cigarette use among Asian American adolescents.