Electronic Cigarettes Among Youth: A Silent Dangers and Psychiatric Nurse's role in Prevention

Abstract

The use of electronic cigarettes among Thai children and adolescents is rapidly increasing. Because of advertisements and a misleading public image that presents electronic cigarettes as safe and effective for smoking cessation benefits. In reality, electronic cigarettes contain nicotine levels five to nine times higher than cigarettes, along with other toxic substances that affect physical health such as dyspnea, headaches, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and risk of suicide. The study also found that factors influencing electronic cigarettes use include Adolescents often exhibit curiosity, peer and family influence, media exposure, and positive attitudes toward electronic cigarettes use. This article focuses on presenting prevention approaches through the role of psychiatric nursing in primary prevention, emphasizing accurate health education, Cultural value transformation, and brief interventions, these approaches aim to reduce and prevent risky behaviors among children and adolescents, with the aim of promoting long-term sustainability.