JUUL Use Among Adolescents: A Call to Action

Abstract

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are novel technological devices that enable users to receive nicotine. Since 2018, JUUL has captured 60.1% of the electronic cigarette market share compared to 35.7% market share one-year prior, thus establishing itself as the most popular ENDS device. With JUUL’s consistent increase in popularity, it has also increased in heightened attractiveness and use among adolescents. The purpose of this commentary is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding JUUL use among adolescents, potential public health concerns, and consequences of such use. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Targeted Education for School Staff on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Nurse Led Intervention

“…Although long-term effects of ENDS use are still unknown, detrimental health effects, adolescent susceptibility, and general knowledge about ENDS are well-established (Oliver et al, 2019; Vincent et al, 2018). There are several known adverse health effects of nicotine use in adolescents including impaired brain development, enduring cognitive and behavioral impairments, and damaging effects on memory and attention (England et al, 2015; USDHHS, 2016).…”

“…Adolescents are more likely to become addicted to nicotine than adults and it acts as a gateway to other substance use (England et al, 2015). Only one-third of JUUL users are aware that JUUL contains nicotine (Oliver et al, 2019). Adolescents perceive ENDS use as less harmful than cigarettes placing them at risk of underestimating their chances of becoming addicted to nicotine (Gaiha et al, 2021; McKeganey et al, 2020).…”

“…Adolescents perceive ENDS use as less harmful than cigarettes placing them at risk of underestimating their chances of becoming addicted to nicotine (Gaiha et al, 2021; McKeganey et al, 2020). Level of perceived harm is a protective factor against ENDS use in adolescents that can be enhanced through school tobacco prevention programs (Oliver et al, 2019). Prevention efforts should be aimed at education about the health effects of ENDS and the social processes that encourage youth using these products (Kong et al, 2015).…”

“…School staff members serve as a source of information for youth, but less than half of middle and high school educators could identify a photo of a JUUL as an ENDS (Cuccia et al, 2019). All school staff need to be equipped with accurate information about ENDS because they are positioned to influence youth through both education and enforcement of ENDS use policies (Baer et al, 2021; Oliver et al, 2019). Assessing and improving knowledge of ENDS among school staff can inform future development and implementation of interventions to reduce nicotine use in adolescents (Baer et al, 2021; Cullen et al, 2019).…”