Keywords

electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, vaping, teenage, adolescent

Abstract

ABSTRACT

An Evidence-Based Approach to Understanding and Treating Electronic Cigarette Use in the Adolescent Population

Adelaide Laurel Amini College of Nursing, BYU Master of Science

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is popular among adolescents and leads to high levels of nicotine exposure in this population. E-cigarette use by teenagers can lead to development of nicotine addiction, chronic lung disorders, and lifelong incidence of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit disorder. Thus, it is vital that nurse practitioners understand electronic cigarette devices and their effects on adolescent health, as well as treatment guidelines regarding nicotine dependence specific to e-cigarettes. An educational module detailing the history of e-cigarettes, adolescent vulnerabilities, health effects of vaping, and treatment options, was created and distributed among a sample of 12 nurse practitioners. The purpose of the module is to increase nurse practitioners’ understanding of teenage e-cigarette use. Understanding was assessed before and after viewing the module, using a paired t-test. The results showed a significant increase in participants’ knowledge of e-cigarettes after completing the module, t(11)=5.4, p=0.001. Of the 12 participants, 83% indicated that their general understanding of e-cigarette use in the adolescent population improved and 83% indicated that their understanding of available treatment options for adolescent nicotine cessation improved. This module will become available to nurse practitioners nationwide, via the American Association of Nurse Practitioners online continuing education site, in order to further help healthcare providers to gain a better understanding of e-cigarette use in the adolescent population.

Document Type

Master's Project

Publication Date

2020-08-07

Language

English

College

Nursing

Department

Nursing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Graduate Student

Included in

Nursing Commons

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