Internalizing and Externalizing Problems as Risk Factors for Initiation and Progression of E-cigarette and Combustible Cigarette Use in the US Youth Population
Journal
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
5
Pages
1759–1771
Date Issued
2021-10-01
Author(s)
Abstract
This study examined whether internalizing and externalizing problems were associated with initiation and progression of e-cigarette/cigarette use. The youth from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Waves 1–2 were included in this study (n = 9258). Multinomial logistic and linear regression were performed to investigate whether Wave 1 internalizing and externalizing problems were associated with Wave 2 initiation and progression of cigarette/e-cigarette use. Higher internalizing and externalizing problems were both associated with higher risk for initiating cigarette smoking and exclusive e-cigarette use. Neither internalizing nor externalizing problems were associated with (1) differential likelihood of initiating exclusive e-cigarette use when compared with initiating cigarette smoking and (2) more frequent use of cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Schools and community public health practitioners should provide prevention and intervention efforts among the target population. Improving the youth’s mental and behavioral health could have a secondary effect on preventing cigarette and e-cigarette use initiation.
Subjects
Cigarette | E-cigarette | Externalizing | Internalizing | Longitudinal | Mental health
SDGs
Publisher
Springer
Type
journal article