E-Cigarette Use Prevention Among Youth.

Abstract

Background: E-cigarette use among youth in the United States has become a public health epidemic. Adults who regularly interact with youth-such as coaches, mentors, counselors, trainers, and caregivers-can significantly influence youth perceptions and behaviors related to e-cigarette use, either positively or negatively.

Purpose: The study purpose was to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led educational presentation among youth-serving adults about e-cigarette products and their negative health effects through knowledge assessment.

Methods: A 30-minute educational session was delivered using adapted materials from the Stanford REACH Lab's You & Me, Together Vape-Free curriculum within their Tobacco Prevention Toolkit. Participants (N = 24) completed a 20-question knowledge assessment before and after the presentation.

Results: A paired t test revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores from preintervention (mean = 13.9, SD = 1.8) to postintervention (mean = 17.1, SD = 1), t(22) = 7.9, p < .001. Participants demonstrated an average increase of 3.21 correct responses (16.1%).

Conclusions: The nurse-led educational presentation significantly improved participants' understanding of e-cigarettes and their harmful effects. By equipping youth-serving adults with accurate information, this approach supports informed conversations that may prevent youth e-cigarette use. School nurses are well positioned to lead such efforts, with national organizations endorsing their role in tobacco prevention. Further research is needed to assess long-term knowledge retention and behavioral outcomes.