Study on teen vaping surge sounds health alarms

The use of electronic cigarettes among Greek teenagers has surged in recent years, raising serious public health concerns.

Vaping has evolved from a smoking cessation tool for adults into a trendy habit among youngsters, luring them with colorful designs and sweet flavors while delivering addictive nicotine.

A nationwide study conducted in 2022 by the University Mental Health Research Institute found 38.6% of 10th-graders in Greece had tried an e-cigarette, with 25.1% using one more than three times.

Alarmingly, 10.8% had vaped multiple times within the past 10 days, indicating potential addiction.

The study, which surveyed 6,250 students, revealed a sharp increase in youth vaping, with experimentation rates rising from 16.6% in 2014 to 36.7% in 2018.

The study found that 28.2% of 10th graders had smoked a cigarette, with 7.8% reporting daily use. Two thirds of student vapers have also tried traditional smoking. 

Kathimerini