Between policies and realities: The use of electronic cigarettes and other drugs among adolescents

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of electronic cigarettes and other drugs. This quantitative study was conducted with 119 adolescents enrolled in two public High Schools in rural Rio Grande do Norte in 2024. Data were collected through a questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using STATA software, version 18.0. Findings indicate unanimous knowledge about the product, as 95% of participants reported receiving negative information about electronic cigarettes, acknowledging their harms, and this awareness did not prevent their use. The data suggest that electronic cigarettes are strongly linked to socialization, as more than 66% of respondents witnessed friends using them, reinforcing a sense of permissibility and normalizing consumption. The attitudes of approach and the consumption of electronic cigarettes and other drugs by adolescents point to the need for health education actions that enter other spaces, such as schools and entertainment environments aimed at young people. Policies must be designed to engage directly with adolescents, ensuring they can better understand and internalize the information provided.