E-cigarette Attitude and Belief Scale in Adolescents: A Validity and Reliability Study.

Abstract

Objective: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased significantly since its appearance on the global market in the mid-2000s. International studies have indicated that substance use among children is as prevalent as 7.8% worldwide and 15.4% among high school students in Türkiye. To prevent this public health problem, it is necessary to understand why adolescents use e-cigarettes. This study aimed to develop an attitude and belief scale about adolescent e-cigarette use.

Material and methods: Chronic disease-free adolescents aged 14-18 who applied to pediatric outpatient clinics were invited to the study. Three hundred forty eligible participants were recruited. The scale on e-cigarette use was developed in light of the existing literature and comprises a total of 31 questions, including 20 assessing beliefs and 11 assessing attitudes.

Results: Following specialist reviews, the following exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, criterion validity analysis, discriminant validity analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, test-retest reliability analysis, and internal validity tests were conducted. The 18-item scale, which has been proven to measure attitudes and beliefs toward e-cigarettes, is sufficient, valid, and reliable.

Conclusion: The developed "E-cigarette Attitude and Belief Scale in Adolescents" scale can be a critical tool for future studies. Gaining insight into adolescents' attitudes and beliefs toward e-cigarettes can contribute to creating targeted educational and awareness initiatives on this issue.