In Quebec, a new document published on August 2 by theINSPQ (Center of expertise and reference in public health) takes stock of the prevention of vaping among young people. Between state of knowledge and observations, this dossier " The prevention of vaping among young people: a state of knowledge Seems to be a new itch for the Canadian vaping industry.
VAPING PREVENTION AND THE RETURN OF TOBACCO?
» The use of electronic cigarettes has grown exponentially around the world, particularly in North America. This trend, described as an epidemic by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration, 2018), is also reflected in Quebec.. ". This new report from the INSPQ (Center of expertise and reference in public health) therefore includes a sensational introduction in order to immediately put the reader in the anguish of the terrible "epidemic" of vaping. Worse still, it is immediately mentioned of a possible gateway effect to smoking: " Vaping highly concentrated nicotine products could increase nicotine addiction and also increase the chances of experimenting with tobacco cigarettes."
This alleged synthesis of knowledge on vaping is based on 36 articles published before March 2020. The analysis of these publications has made it possible to identify the following findings:
- Some vaping prevention interventions that can be carried out in a school setting show promise. Among other things, they could improve the knowledge of young people and reduce their positive perception of vaping.
- Adopting a smoke-free school policy that includes vaping could be beneficial, provided it is accompanied by measures to ensure its implementation.
- Results from pilot projects indicate that the automated sending of text messages would hold promise for knowledge and perceptions of risk, especially when the messages focus on the benefits of non-use and address chemicals and development. of the brain.
- The initial results of studies on the supervision of the promotion of vaping products are consistent with those of studies on the promotion of tobacco products. Among other things, it could reduce the exposure of young people to vaping products and help reduce their willingness to vape.
- The ban on sale to minors could help to counter the use of vaping products by young people. Other measures are however necessary to limit their access through a social source.
- Studies of warnings are heterogeneous. Some indirect effects on youth vaping are observed, for example on the intention to buy an electronic cigarette in the future.
The analysis of the publications also made it possible to formulate the following four elements of reflection: :
- As the issue of vaping among young people evolves rapidly, it would be relevant to ensure that the interventions carried out are always in line with usage trends, the perceptions of the target population, as well as the most recent scientific knowledge.
- Adverse effects and risks of trivializing smoking have been mentioned in some studies.
- It could be important to act not only on the perception that young people have of their addiction, but also on their perception of the negative consequences that this addiction could have.
- The regulation of the flavors and nicotine content of electronic cigarettes could be considered as preventive measures.
In conclusion, the report states that “ lvaping is a dynamic issue that is likely to evolve a lot over the years. coming years.". Finally and unsurprisingly, this document paves the way for future attacks on vaping: » we know that reducing smoking depends on a control strategy that integrates a set of complementary measures. It is therefore a safe bet that the same is true for vaping, that is to say that regulatory and fiscal measures, combined with prevention in schools and clinics, are necessary to reduce vaping. . «
