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Youth Access to Electronic Cigarettes in an Unrestricted Market: A Cross-Sectional Study from Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Lukasz Balwicki

    (Department of Public Health and Social Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Zwyciestwa 42A, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Danielle Smith

    (Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA)

  • Malgorzata Balwicka-Szczyrba

    (Department of Civil Law, University of Gdansk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland)

  • Michal Gawron

    (Department of General and Analytical Chemistry, Division of Laboratory Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Medical University of Silesia, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland)

  • Andrzej Sobczak

    (Department of General and Analytical Chemistry, Division of Laboratory Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Medical University of Silesia, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
    Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland)

  • Maciej L. Goniewicz

    (Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA)

Abstract

Background : Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among youths in Poland has become very popular. The aim of this study was to identify the potential points of access to these products by students aged 16–17 years old before implementation of sales restrictions to minors in Poland in November 2016. Methods : A school-based, cross-sectional survey was administered in 2015–2016 in 21 secondary/technical schools across two regions of Poland. Analyses focused on 341 students aged 16–17 years old who reported their past 30-day use of e-cigarettes. Pearson Chi-square analyses were utilized to examine the associations between access-related items, e-cigarette use and demographics. Results : Among youth e-cigarette users, the most common access to their first e-cigarette was from a friend (38%), followed by purchasing from vape shops (26%). Similar patterns emerged when the students were asked about their access to the currently used e-cigarette. Most youths reported no difficulty in purchasing cartridges/e-liquid containing nicotine (90%). The majority of users (52%) reported buying such products in vape shops. Conclusions : Prior to implementing age-related sales restrictions, youth access to e-cigarettes and paraphernalia did not pose any significant barriers. Poland’s introduction of a new age limit on e-cigarette sales may help to limit the number of youths who purchase e-cigarettes from vape shops.

Suggested Citation

  • Lukasz Balwicki & Danielle Smith & Malgorzata Balwicka-Szczyrba & Michal Gawron & Andrzej Sobczak & Maciej L. Goniewicz, 2018. "Youth Access to Electronic Cigarettes in an Unrestricted Market: A Cross-Sectional Study from Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-7, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:7:p:1465-:d:157407
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maciej L. Goniewicz & Noel J. Leigh & Michal Gawron & Justyna Nadolska & Lukasz Balwicki & Connor McGuire & Andrzej Sobczak, 2016. "Dual use of electronic and tobacco cigarettes among adolescents: a cross-sectional study in Poland," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 61(2), pages 189-197, March.
    2. Jessica K. Pepper & Kurt M. Ribisl & Sherry L. Emery & Noel T. Brewer, 2014. "Reasons for Starting and Stopping Electronic Cigarette Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-17, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elizabeth K. Do & Kathleen Aarvig & Emily M. Donovan & Barbara A. Schillo & Donna M. Vallone & Elizabeth C. Hair, 2023. "Underage Youth Continue to Obtain E-Cigarettes from Retail Sources in 2022: Evidence from the Truth Continuous Tracking Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-7, January.
    2. Ilona Wężyk-Caba & Małgorzata Znyk & Radosław Zajdel & Łukasz Balwicki & Anna Tyrańska-Fobke & Grzegorz Juszczyk & Karolina Zajdel & Beata Świątkowska & Dorota Kaleta, 2022. "Determinants of E-Cigarette and Cigarette Use among Youth and Young Adults in Poland—PolNicoYouth Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Paweł Koczkodaj & Paloma Cuchi & Agata Ciuba & Elwira Gliwska & Armando Peruga, 2021. "Point of Sale Advertising and Promotion of Cigarettes, Electronic Cigarettes, and Heated Tobacco Products in Warsaw, Poland—A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-10, December.

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