Vaping in SA schools: Study shows harrowing statistics
An alarming study revealed the statistics about vaping among South African high school students.
A study published in The Lancet EClinicalMedicine has shed light on the alarming prevalence of vaping among high school students in South Africa.
The survey, which collected data from over 25,000 students across 52 schools, reveals that nearly 17% of respondents reported current vaping, while 37% admitted to having used vaping products at some point.
The study found that the likelihood of vaping increased with grade level, but surprisingly, was not associated with school affluence.
Furthermore, 47% of respondents reported vaping within the first hour of waking, suggesting a high level of nicotine addiction.
“Adolescent vaping is not restricted to high-income countries and substantial burden of vaping exists in South African high school students,” the study read.
How often are these students vaping? According to the study, of the surveyed individuals:
38% of students reported vaping daily, with more than half of them vaping four or more days a week.
12% of students said they can't get through the school day without vaping.
25% reported feeling anxious or angry when they have to wait too long to vape.
Why do students start vaping? The top reasons include:
Social influences (51%): family, friends, peer pressure, and the need to fit in
Coping with stress and anxiety (20%)
Curiosity (16%)
Attractive flavours (4%)
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