Common types of tobacco include: traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), cigars and smokeless tobacco products. In particular, e-cigarettes have become the most popular type of tobacco among young people.
The rate of e-cigarette use among students aged 13-17 increased to 8.1% in 2023. The survey results related to new tobacco use by age groups show that the demand for use among young people, especially girls, is also increasing.
Part of the reason for the increased use of e-cigarettes is their appealing designs and flavors. Many e-cigarette products come in fruit, candy, and other flavors, making them more appealing to young people. In addition, advertising and sales via the Internet have increased youth access to these products.
Short-term health effects: Using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, can cause a number of immediate health problems. For traditional cigarettes, smoking can cause breathing problems, increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as reduced ability to concentrate and learn.
E-cigarettes, although they do not produce smoke like traditional cigarettes, still contain nicotine and chemicals that can harm the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of young people.
Long-term health effects: Using tobacco in youth can lead to serious health problems in the future.
Smoking traditional cigarettes is a leading cause of lung cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. Using e-cigarettes is no exception.
Psychological and behavioral effects: Nicotine, one of the main ingredients in cigarettes, is highly addictive. Early exposure to nicotine can alter brain development, affecting cognitive abilities and emotional control.
This can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and other behavioral disorders. Additionally, tobacco use can increase the risk of using other addictive substances, such as drugs and alcohol.
In Vietnam, a random sample study was conducted on 3,801 students from grades 6 to 12 in 11 provinces and cities during the period of October-December 2023, supported by the Tobacco Control Fund (Ministry of Health) and Vital Strategies, a global public health organization.
The results showed that 96.2% and 37.8% of students were aware of the existence of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, respectively. Of these, 14% had tried e-cigarettes and 7% had used them in the past 30 days. The rate for heated tobacco products was 1.8% who had used them and 1% who were currently using them.
According to Associate Professor Becky Freeman - an expert from the School of Public Health, University of Sydney (Australia), tobacco companies are using sophisticated advertising tactics to attract young people, especially through social networks.
They create attractive images, use celebrities to promote their products, and spread misinformation about the safety of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
