THURS-010 - Exploring Risk and Protective Factors of Vaping Among African American Youth: A Scoping Review
Thursday, April 17, 2025
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM PST
Location: Pacific I/II, 2nd Floor
Area of Responsibility: Area IV: Evaluation and Research Subcompetencies: 4.4.2 Compare findings to other evaluations or studies., 4.4.4 Draw conclusions based on findings. Research or Practice: Research
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to analyze key individual, community and family risk factors, that contribute to increased susceptibility to vaping and tobacco use among African American adolescents.
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to identify at least three protective factors, including parental monitoring, that can effectively discourage tobacco use and vaping among African American youth.
Upon completion of this session, participants will be about to identify some risk factors associated with vaping and tobacco use among African American youth.
Brief Abstract Summary: Gain a deep understanding of the risk and protective factors influencing vaping behavior among youth, especially among African American youth. Discover how individual, family and community factors contribute to the increased susceptibility in this population. Learn about the protective factors that can mitigate these risks, including strong parental monitoring, heightened awareness of the dangers of vaping, and positive school engagement. Recognize the critical need for targeted, culturally sensitive prevention strategies. This session will provide valuable insights for future public health interventions aimed at addressing this urgent health issue, especially among minority groups.
Detailed abstract description: Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing vaping behavior among African American adolescents, a group that faces unique challenges in the United States. This presentation will shed light on both the risk factors driving e-cigarette and tobacco use and the protective factors that discourage it, providing a well-rounded perspective crucial for public health professionals and policy makers. Using the results from a comprehensive scoping review, this presentation will dive into individual-level contributors such as nicotine addiction, curiosity, co-use of other tobacco products, mental health struggles, and academic performance. Additionally, it will explore how family dynamics, including parental tobacco use, peer influence, and exposure to vaping advertisements, further increase vulnerability. By understanding these risk factors, attendees will be better equipped to gain insights into why some adolescents are more susceptible to vaping. The session will also highlight the protective elements that can help prevent e-cigarette use among African American youth. Attendees will learn how factors like strong parental monitoring, awareness of vaping's negative health effects, and school-based support systems play a pivotal role in discouraging vaping behavior. Moreover, this session will address key research gaps, particularly the lack of qualitative studies that explore the reasons behind vaping behavior and tobacco use among African American youth. Attendees will discover why future research should explore the social, psychological, and environmental contexts of both users and non-users to build more effective prevention programs. Public health professionals, educators, and community leaders attending this session will walk away with a clearer understanding of the nature of vaping among African American youth and will be equipped with knowledge to support culturally sensitive, targeted interventions. By addressing both risks and protective factors, this presentation will empower attendees to contribute meaningfully to future public health strategies aimed at reducing the vaping epidemic within this vulnerable population.
