Youth E-Cigarette Prevalence by County, Grades 9-12, New Mexico, 2019

Why Is This Important?

The use of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, has recently emerged as a new public health concern. Although scientists are still learning about the long-term effects of e-cigarettes, we do know most contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent and young adult brain development. The aerosol in e-cigarettes contains nicotine, cancer-causing chemicals, and tiny particles that can reach deep into the lungs. According to the National Academies of Science (2018), there is substantial evidence that e-cigarette use increases risk of ever using combustible tobacco cigarettes among youth and young adults. As of 2019, e-cigarette use (34%) among high school youth in NM has significantly outpaced the use of combustible cigarettes (8.9%). Although there have been significant declines in combustible cigarette use among youth, the emergence of e-cigarettes and the risks for nicotine addiction requires attention both through public health prevention and policy efforts.

Definition

A current e-cigarette user is defined as a youth in grades 9-12 in a NM public high school who used e-cigarettes or other electronic vapor products on one or more days in the past month.

Data Notes

How the Measure is Calculated

Health Topic Pages Related to: Tobacco Use - Youth E-Cigarette Prevalence

• Tobacco Use
• Substance Use