Psychological distress and e-cigarette use among young Australians: An exploratory, qualitative study.
Tob Induc Dis
; 222024.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38899118
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Emerging research suggests an association between psychological distress and e-cigarette use. However, our understanding of young adults' experiences of this relationship is limited. We explored young adults' experiences of psychological distress and e-cigarette use.METHODS:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18- to 24-year-old university students (n=13; 77% female; mean age=21.5 years) based in Victoria, Australia. Interviews were conducted May-June 2023. Data were subject to reflexive thematic analysis.RESULTS:
Individuals reported that they or their friends had initiated e-cigarette use to manage their psychological distress (e.g. low mood, social isolation, stress). Immediate stress reduction following use and subsequent nicotine dependence appeared to maintain use.CONCLUSIONS:
A reciprocal relationship likely exists between psychological distress and e-cigarette use whereby psychological distress contributes to use initiation and use maintains distress. Public campaigns and health services should provide 1) education on adaptive coping/stress management strategies and the signs of nicotine dependence, and 2) support to manage nicotine dependence and the psychological distress that can arise from addiction.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Tob Induc Dis
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: