Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use and Its Determinants Among Adolescents in Songinokhairkhan District
- VernacularTitle:Сонгинохайрхан дүүргийн өсвөр насныхны электрон тамхины хэрэглээ, түүнд нөлөөлөх хүчин зүйлс
- Author:
Tserenjargal B
1
;
Burmaajav B
1
Author Information
1. Ach Medical University
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Adolescence;
E-cigarette;
Nicotine;
risk factors;
Ulaanbaatar
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2025;214(4):38-46
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Electronic cigarettes were invented in 2003, and their use has increased rapidly worldwide,
especially among adolescents. Research shows that young people are more vulnerable
to nicotine addiction, and a significant proportion of users have never smoked traditional
cigarettes, indicating that e-cigarettes attract new users.
Key factors contributing to the rise in e-cigarette use include a wide variety of flavors, pleasant
aromas, the misconception that they are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, easy
accessibility, peer influence, and curiosity. Studies also indicate that parental smoking and
exposure to secondhand smoke influence adolescent use.
In Mongolia, adolescents make up 16.7% of the total population, suggesting a substantial
number are at risk of e-cigarette use. Despite existing legal restrictions on sales to minors,
usage among adolescents continues, highlighting the need for further research on this issue.
Objective:To study the prevalence of e-cigarette use and identify influencing factors among adolescents
in Songinokhairkhan District, Ulaanbaatar
Materials and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the prevalence of
e-cigarette use and its associated risk factors among adolescents in Songinokhairkhan District.
The study population consisted of students aged 12–18 years enrolled in local secondary
schools. Using simple random sampling, 679 students from 7 out of 24 schools in the district
were selected to ensure a representative sample. Eligibility was determined according to
predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were collected through a structured,
self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral
factors, and exposure to e-cigarette-related information. Data entry and management were
conducted using Microsoft Excel 2021, while IBM SPSS Statistics 26 was employed for data
analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) were
used to summarize participant characteristics, and inferential statistics, including Pearson
correlation analysis, were applied to examine relationships between e-cigarette use and
potential influencing factors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was
obtained from the Research Ethics Subcommittee of “Ach” Medical University (Resolution
No. 5). All participants and their parents or guardians provided informed consent prior to
participation, and the study was conducted in full compliance with ethical principles and
relevant research guidelines.
Results:A total of 679 adolescents participated in the study; 52% (n=356) were male, and 81% (n=547)
were aged 15–19 years. Of the participants, 43% (n=293) reported using e-cigarettes.
Among e-cigarette users, the reasons for use included curiosity (56.5%, n=174), peer use
(22%, n=68), and stress (15.9%, n=49). Regarding duration of use, 67.8% (n=137) had used
e-cigarettes for 1–6 months, while 12.8% (n=26) had used them for 1-2 years.
Statistically significant differences were found between e-cigarette users and non-users in
terms of gender, knowledge about nicotine content, awareness that e-cigarettes may be more
harmful than regular cigarettes, presence of e-cigarette users among peers, and presence of
e-cigarette users in the household (p=0.003; <0.001; 0.02; 0.008; 0.002).
Male adolescents were 1.3 times more likely to use e-cigarettes (p=0.003, O
=1.3).
Adolescents aged 10-14 were 1.2 times more likely to use e-cigarettes (OR=1.2, p=0.236).
Having a household member who uses e-cigarettes increased the likelihood of adolescent
e-cigarette use by 1.7 times (OR=1.7; p<0.001).
Conclusions:E-cigarette use is common among adolescents in Songinokhairkhan District, and it is
significantly influenced by sex, knowledge about e-cigarettes, and the use of e-cigarettes by
family members and peers.
- Full text:2026070407543010978MAUS-2025-214(4)-38-46.pdf
