Expert blog post: Is youth vaping a problem in New Zealand?

Youth19 researcher Dr Jude Ball contributed to a recent expert blog post outlining current findings about electronic nicotine delivery systems and their potential contribution to public health. The post explores possible explanations for sometimes contradictory reports and perceptions about youth vaping and suggests that more effective monitoring is required. Youth19 will add valuable information to this discussion, with questions including:

• Have you ever vaped or used an e-cigarette?

• How often do you vape or use e-cigarettes now?

• When you first began vaping or using e-cigarettes did you smoke ordinary cigarettes (tobacco)?

• When you vape or use e-cigarettes do they contain nicotine?

Responses will be analysed in early 2020, giving new insight into this complex issue. On a related note, Jude Ball appeared on Radio New Zealand recently to discuss findings from her doctoral thesis Sex, drugs, smokes and booze: What’s driving teen trends?. The thesis examined potential drivers behind reductions in several youth risk behaviours over the last 20 years. Listen here.