1.

Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use and Its Associated Factors Among Youths Aged 12 to
16 Years in 68 Countries and Territories: Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 2012–2019

AJPH Research and Analysis,

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chuanwei-Ma/publication/359663447_Prevalence_of_E-Ci
garette_Use_and_Its_Associated_Factors_Among_Youths_Aged_12_to_16_Years_in_68_Count
ries_and_Territories_Global_Youth_Tobacco_Survey_2012-2019/links/62a021b455273755ebdc
0d9b/Prevalence-of-E-Cigarette-Use-and-Its-Associated-Factors-Among-Youths-Aged-12-to-16-
Years-in-68-Countries-and-Territories-Global-Youth-Tobacco-Survey-2012-2019.pdf

What is the issue?

Identify the issue and evidence that shows that the problem actually exists.

Although official figures on the number of vapers in Singapore are unavailable, there are signs
that youth vaping has become more popular in recent years, especially among younger people. A
study on the prevalence and associated factors of e-cigarette use among adolescents in Southeast
Asia revealed an increasing trend in the use of e-cigarettes among Malaysian adolescents1 .
Additionally, data from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) indicated a significant rise in the
trend of vaping, with 4,916 people being caught for the offense in 2022, compared to 1,266 in
2020 and 4,697 in 20212. The scholarly article has also shown a general global trend of
increasing vape consumption.

Who does this issue affect, and in what way (both directly and indirectly)? Identify how this
issue negatively impacts various groups in Singapore.

This issue affects the youth of Singapore as it ruins their mental and physical health, as well as
other major parts of their life. Vapes are known to contain harmful chemicals such as fine
particulate matter, cancer-causing agents, and volatile organic compounds, which can have
detrimental effects on health, especially among adolescents. Vaping will take a toll on the teen’s
physical and mental health, and will also heavily impact his relationships.

What are the factors that contribute to this being an issue?

Identify the causes of the issue, and if there are any root/underlying causes.

The issue of increased youth vaping in Singapore is influenced by several factors. Despite the
ban on vaping, young people are still able to obtain e-cigarettes, leading to a significant rise in
the number of vaping cases3 . The lack of awareness about the potential health risks and the
misconception that vaping is less harmful than smoking have further fueled its prevalence

What are some ways that the issue can be resolved? By whom?
Identify possible solutions to the issue that address the causes you identified.

Parents can play a crucial role in discouraging their children from vaping by maintaining open
dialogues, educating them about the dangers of e-cigarettes, and setting a strong example by not
using tobacco products themselves. Furthermore, The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of
Education can intensify public education campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks of
vaping, targeting both students and parents.

2. Vaping and Mental Health

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7837520/pdf/ccap30_p0003.pdf

What is the issue?

Identify the issue and evidence that shows that the problem actually exists.

Research has shown that nicotine, a common component of vaping products, can lead to learning
difficulties, mood swings, anxiety, and impulsivity in teens4 . Furthermore, the Truth Initiative
has revealed that current e-cigarette users have double the odds of experiencing depression and
anxiety symptoms5 . These findings underscore the significant impact of vaping on the mental
well-being of young individuals, highlighting the need for effective measures to address this
issue.

Who does this issue affect, and in what way (both directly and indirectly)? Identify how this
issue negatively impacts various groups in Singapore.

The growing prevalence of vaping among young people has implications for families and
communities, as they are directly impacted by the potential health risks and mental health
consequences associated with vaping.

What are the factors that contribute to this being an issue?

Identify the causes of the issue, and if there are any root/underlying causes.

Nicotine, a common component of vaping products, has been linked to serious mental health
problems in teens, including learning difficulties, mood swings, anxiety, and impulsivity.
Additionally, a 2019 study of U.S. college students found that vaping is significantly associated
with higher levels of ADHD symptoms, and nicotine dependence was correlated with greater
anxiety symptoms6 . Furthermore, the reasons why young adults start vaping are often related to
mental health, with many using vaping or other substance abuse to regulate their emotions and
underlying mental health concerns7.

What are some ways that the issue can be resolved? By whom?
Identify possible solutions to the issue that address the causes you identified.

Parents can play a crucial role in discouraging their children from vaping by maintaining open
dialogues, educating them about the dangers of e-cigarettes, and setting a strong example by not
using tobacco products themselves. Furthermore, The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of
Education can intensify public education campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks of
vaping, targeting both students and parents.

1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10001692/
2 - https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-caught-using-vaporisers-in-2022-hsa
3-https://thehomeground.asia/destinations/singapore/vaping-an-upward-trend-among-young-sing
aporeans-despite-a-danger-to-health/
4-https://stopswithme.com/the-new-mental-fog-how-the-vaping-epidemic-impacts-the-teen-ment
al-health-crisis/
5-https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/colliding-crises-youth-
mental-health-and-nicotine-use
6-https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/targeted-communities/3-ways-vaping-affects-ment
al-health
7-https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/vaping-and-mental-health/