IMPACTS OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES ON ADOLESCENT HEALTH: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is recognized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) as a global epidemic, responsible for more than eight million deaths annually, including passive smokers. In this context, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), also called electronic cigarettes, vapes, or pods, have emerged. These devices, powered by lithium batteries, vaporize a liquid containing nicotine, solvents, and chemical substances such as glycerol, propylene glycol, dyes, and flavorings, some of which are carcinogenic. Created in 2003 in China, the electronic cigarette was initially proposed as an alternative to conventional cigarettes, but recent studies reveal that it causes various health problems, affecting the lungs, heart, immune system, and psychological well-being. Among young people, its use is influenced by family and social factors, with adolescence being a period of greater vulnerability to consumption and experimentation. OBJECTIVES: General objective: To investigate the impacts of electronic cigarettes on the health of adolescents. Specific objectives: To understand the social and cultural factors that influence the use of electronic cigarettes among adolescents and to understand how electronic cigarettes affect the health of adolescents. LITERATURE REVIEW: The research was conducted as an integrative literature review, using the steps proposed by Souza and Carvalho (2010). The SciELO, PubMed, and BVS databases were consulted, with inclusion criteria that considered complete articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and exclusion criteria that eliminated duplicates and studies outside the objectives. Of the 424 articles initially identified, only six met the inclusion criteria. This analysis allowed for the gathering of different perspectives on the impact of electronic cigarettes among adolescents and their harmful effects on health. RESULTS: Six articles that relevantly addressed the use and risks of electronic cigarettes were selected. The studies indicated that young people associate the device with modernity and leisure, underestimating its dangers. National research revealed that 22.6% of students aged 13 to 17 have already tried cigarettes, and 16.8% have already used electronic cigarettes, often influenced by smoking family members. DISCUSSION: The analyzed authors point out that the use of electronic cigarettes is driven by cultural and social factors, in addition to digital influence. Advertising on social media and the actions of influencers reinforce a positive and trivialized image of the product. Studies also show greater adherence among male adolescents and indicate that early use can lead to the consumption of conventional cigarettes. Negative effects include nicotine dependence, intoxications, burns from battery explosions, and serious diseases such as EVALI, characterized by acute pulmonary inflammation. CONCLUSION: It is observed that there is still a scarcity of studies on the subject and that the use of electronic cigarettes remains growing, even with the prohibition by Anvisa (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency). The false perception of safety has encouraged illegal consumption and increased health risks for adolescents. It is urgent to intensify public policies of surveillance and education, especially in schools, to promote awareness about the damage caused by e-cigarettes and prevent the emergence of a new generation dependent on nicotine.