Prevalence, risk perception, and motivations behind E-cigarettes and heated tobacco use: a cross-sectional study in Italian adolescents.

ABSTRACT:

Background

E-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), which emerged as "safer" alternatives to traditional cigarettes, remain easily accessible and widely misperceived as harmless, especially among adolescents. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of e-cigarette and HTP use among Italian adolescents, and investigate underlying motivations, risk perceptions, and social influences.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 200 adolescents aged 11-18 years. Participants completed a 50-item anonymous questionnaire exploring sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, reasons for use, risk awareness, and social influence.

Results

Among participants, 23% reported using e-cigarettes and 16% HTPs. Disposable, flavored and nicotine-containing produ

SUBMITTER: Virgili F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12625768 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature