P1041 - Adverse Effects Associated with the Use of Electronic Vaping Products on Adolescents and Young Adults

Background/Purpose: Despite the increasing prevalence of the use of electronic vaping products (vapes) among adolescents and young adults, few studies have examined the clinical symptoms associated with vaping. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of vaping, to identify symptoms that may be associated with vaping, and to understand beliefs about vaping that may contribute to its growing prevalence.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of subjects aged 12-23 years presenting for medical care to Penn State Hershey Medical Center in central Pennsylvania. The questionnaire focused on use of vapes, presence of clinical symptoms during the previous six months, and perceived beliefs associated with vaping. Stratification was performed to compare subjects who used vapes frequently (at least once a month) and those who were infrequent/non-users (never tried or tried one time).

Results: Data analysis was performed on 498 completed questionnaires. The mean age of subjects was 17 years old and 56% were female. 80% (n=396) of subjects were considered infrequent/non-users and 20% (n=102) were considered frequent users. When stratified by frequency of use, frequent users were more likely to report the following symptoms in the last six months compared to infrequent/non-users: headache [67% (95% CI: 57-76) vs. 55% (95% CI: 50-60), P=.04], nausea (61% (95% CI: 51-70) vs. 42% (95% CI: 38-47), P=.0009], cough [54% (95% CI: 44-64) vs. 38% (95% CI: 33-43), P=.004], sleep disturbances [53% (95% CI: 43-63) vs. 38% (95% CI: 33-43), P=.006], dehydration [51% (95% CI: 41-61) vs. 35% (95% CI: 30-40), P=.003], weakness [47% (95% CI: 37-57) vs. 28% (95% CI: 23-32), P=.0002], racing heart [46% (95% CI: 57-76) vs. 27% (95% CI: 23-32), P=.0002], chest pain [40% (95% CI: 31-50) vs. 28% (95% CI: 24-33, P=.02], tremors/shakiness [27% (95% CI: 19-37) vs. 15% (95% CI: 11-19), P=.002]. There were no significant differences in reported dizziness and abdominal discomfort between the two groups. In respect to perceived beliefs about electronic vaping products, 53% of respondents believed that they “can help someone quit smoking,” 36% believed that they “are safer than cigarettes,” 30% believed that they “are less addictive than cigarettes,” and 27% believed that they “are just for fun.”

Conclusion: Based on our preliminary data, 20% of respondents use electronic vaping products at least once a month. Frequent users were more likely to report headache, nausea, cough, sleep disturbances, dehydration, weakness, racing heart, chest pain, and tremors/shakiness. The perceived beliefs about vapes could be related to their growing use among a younger population.