Background 

In recent years, vaping has become increasingly popular among adolescent populations between the ages of 13 – 24. According to the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine survey conducted in 2021, adolescents were 30% more likely to have vaped in the past month in comparison to older adults1. Of these adolescents, vapes containing nicotine were used by 89.3% of them1.

The vaping industry's advertising strategies, including the promotion of unique flavors that are offered, have made it easy to attract young audiences, who are often susceptible to peer pressure and curiosity2. Although originally marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, the potential risks associated with vaping outweigh its supposed benefits. Studies have found that vaping can have detrimental effects on the mental health of adolescents, despite it being reported as a coping mechanism for mental health issues among young adults3–5. Notably, nicotine has been shown to have negative impacts on the brain of adolescents which develops until about the age of 25. Consequently, regular nicotine use through vaping can have harmful effects on attention, mood, and impulse control in adolescents3. Furthermore, studies have found that adolescents who use nicotine through vaping are more likely to report anxiety and depressive symptoms, and have a higher incidence of suicide attempts in comparison to non-users4,5. Given the potential risks that are associated with vaping, it is important to understand the relationship between vaping and adolescent mental health in order to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of vaping on adolescents in schools across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ontario universities, with a particular focus on understanding the prevalence of vaping among this population and its potential mental health implications.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study will be performed through an anonymous survey consisting of both multiple choice and short answer questions. The survey's objectives are to determine the prevalence of vaping in adolescents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), as well as their knowledge and understanding of the negative implications of vaping on their health. Relevant literature on the effects of vaping on adolescents and potential health implications will be studied to inform the themes of the questionnaire. The inclusion criteria for this study will include high school students and university students under the age of 24 who have vaped at least once in the past month. 

Conclusion

The findings of this study will play a significant role in enhancing public awareness, particularly among adolescents regarding the potential impact of vaping on their mental health. By shedding light on the relationship between vaping and mental health, strategies can be implemented to assist those who vape regularly in an aim to improve their overall well-being. Furthermore, educators and schools can use this information to support adolescents in the classroom and help manage their mental health effectively. 

References

1. Government of Canada, S. C. Correlates of vaping among adolescents in Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2022007/article/00003-eng.htm (2022).

2. Alexander, J. P., Williams, P. & Lee, Y. O. Youth who use e-cigarettes regularly: A qualitative study of behavior, attitudes, and familial norms. Prev Med Rep 13, 93–97 (2018).

3. Taylor, G. et al. Change in mental health after smoking cessation: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 348, g1151 (2014).

4. Javed, S. et al. A Scoping Review of Vaping, E-Cigarettes and Mental Health Impact: Depression and Suicidality. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 12, 33–39 (2022).

5. Willett, J. et al. Abstract P124: Mental Health Differences by Vaping Behavior Observed Among Youth and Young Adults. Circulation 147, AP124–AP124 (2023).