PREVALENCE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE USAGE

AMONG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF

LANANPIN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

A Quantitative Research presented to the

Faculty of Lananpin National High School

Senior High School Department

Urdaneta City

In Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements

For Practical Research 2

Garcia, Niño Ybarro E.

Barroga, Bruce B.

Cabar, Jenny M.

Dela Cruz, Dharlin C.

Gorembalem, Angel Louella G.

Lagria, Jayson N.

Leonardo, Raymond II M.

Lutrania, Ron Kurth Ruzzel M.

Olimpo, Faith M.

Pine, Jhubert L.

Sanchez, Shane E.

Tabobo, Charmine A.

Torne, Jake L.

September 2023

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 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Rationale

The electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is an electronic device, also known as

vape, containing a cartridge filled with liquid nicotine and/or other chemicals,

producing inhalable smoke. E-cigarette use has quickly gained popularity worldwide,

especially among current and former smokers. E-cigarette manufacturers promote it

as a safer, cheaper and an alternative product for smoking cessation. As the

popularity and use increase, so is concern about public health. In Australia, Brazil,

China, Uruguay, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and

Vietnam completely banned the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes; while New

Zealand, United Kingdom, and other European countries allowed marketing of e-

cigarettes. South– East Asia is one of the regions in the world with the highest

number of countries (6 out of 11 countries in the region) that banned the use of e-

cigarettes. However, some aspects of the banned regulations in these countries

need improvement.

The International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (ITC Project)

reports the use of e-cigarettes in 10 countries, through a survey conducted between

2009 and 2013. Malaysia was found to be the country with the highest prevalence of

users, at 14%, while other countries like Republic of Korea and Australia had 7%

each, United States 6%, United Kingdom 4%, Netherlands 3%, Canada 1%, and

China 0.05%1. The 2015 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in the

South-East Asian (SEAN) region, gave the following e-cigarette use prevalence for

countries in the region: Indonesia 0.3% and Malaysia 0.8%, in 201110; Philippines

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1.7%11 and Vietnam 0.2%12. Also, the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)

showed the prevalence of e-cigarette use among students (age 13–15 years) to be

2.3% in Cambodia13 and 5.7% in Myanmar. Noteworthy, the survey revealed a

3.2% prevalence rate for Malaysia, which makes it the largest vaping market in the

SEAN region16.

E-cigarette use prevalence is high among the young, and diverse reasons for

the use have been reported in several studies. Some studies state that cigarette

(tobacco) smoking is an important associated factor of e-cigarette use among young

people while the older users consider it an alternative to tobacco smoking. Other

reasons for the use are experimenting due to curiosity, interesting flavors, ‘just for

fun’, popularity and ‘just experimenting’. The risk associated with e-cigarette use is

said to be much less than that of tobacco smoking. If the claim is right, the harms

related to tobacco smoking would be substantially reduced, with benefits for

cardiovascular health. However, more research needs to be conducted to ascertain

the effects of e-cigarette use compared with tobacco smoking.

In the Philippines, the use of electronic cigarettes has increased significantly

since they were introduced in 2004. Nurses in the Philippines have an important role

in screening patients, preventing diseases, and helping patients quit smoking. Their

knowledge and attitude towards e-cigarettes will be crucial in implementing tobacco

control measures. Most of the participants in a study were female, had never

smoked, and were aware of e-cigarettes but had limited knowledge about them.

Per DepEd Order No. 48, s. 2016 or the Policy and Guidelines on

Comprehensive Tobacco Control, DepEd shall undertake awareness activities to warn

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against smoking and counter efforts of the tobacco industry to downplay or deny the

harmful nature of tobacco product.

Lananpin National High School students are currently being caught using vape

or electronic cigarettes in the school year 2023-2024 (e-cigarette), as well as in the

previous year, the school year 2022-2023. We asked teachers, including Sir Sigred

Zarate and Ma'am Marivic Chiquillo. According to them, the Grade 11 section, 11-

respect recorded seven vape users caught, while 11-peace had one. In the current

year, the Grade 11 section 11-respect had three students caught using vape, whiles

the Grade 12 section 12-pecson had two and 12-palaris had one. In total, there were

14 vape users caught at Lananpin National High School.

This study delves into the usage of electronic cigarettes among Senior High

School Students. The results of the study will serve as a basis for proposing activities

to strengthen the anti-e-cigarette campaign.

Theoretical Framework

A catalyst model for serious aggressive behavior suggests that individuals

have a range of natural inclinations towards engaging or not engaging in serious

aggression. However, aggression is triggered by environmental stimuli in ways that

align with either the Self-Determination Theory or the Frustration-Aggression

Hypothesis.

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Catalyst Theory

The 'catalyst theory' postulates that the use of e-cigarettes by Senior High

School Students (SHS) increases the risk of using combustible cigarettes. This is

because e-cigarettes initially attract SHS who are considered "low-risk" to e-

cigarettes, as they perceive them as a reduced-harm alternative.

Conceptual Framework

This study aims to understand the patterns of electronic cigarette usage

among senior high school students. The respondents' profiles will be analyzed,

including the age of smoking initiation and the prevalence of family members who

smoke. The research delves into the level of e-cigarette usage among students and

explores the influencing factors, such as personal decisions, social influence, and

curiosity.

To gather comprehensive data, a structured questionnaire and checklist will

be employed. The collected data will undergo thorough analysis and interpretation.

This research follows a systematic approach to unravel the landscape of e-cigarette

usage among Senior High School Students. Through a well-crafted questionnaire and

checklist, data is collected on factors like age of smoking initiation and familial

smoking habits. After administering the questionnaire, data undergoes thorough

analysis to identify patterns.

The study's output will consist of proposed activities designed to strengthen

the anti-e-cigarette campaign within schools, promote awareness, and discourage

usage among students. These initiatives aim to address the identified factors

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influencing e-cigarette use, fostering a healthier and more informed school

environment.

Input Process Output

1. What is the
profile of the
respondents in
terms of;
a. age of smoking
initiation (years);
and
b. family members
who smoke Questionnaire Proposed Activities
to Strengthen anti-
2. What is the level Checklist
e-cigarette
of usage among
Campaign
Senior High School
Students? Analyzation/Interpretation
of gathered data
3. What are the
factors that
influencing the
usage of electronic
cigarette along
with:
a. personal
decision;
b. social influence;
and
c. curiosity

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

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Statement of the Problem

The study aims to identify the usage of electronic cigarettes among Senior

High School Students in Lananpin National High School. It specifically answers the

following:

1.What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. age of smoking initiation (years); and

b. family members who smoke?

2. What is the level of usage of electronic cigarettes among senior high school

students?

3. What are the factors that influence the usage of electronic cigarettes along with:

a. personal decision;

b. social influence; and

c. curiosity?

Assumptions of the Study

This study is based on the subsequent assumptions:

1. The instrument used in gathering the needed data is valid and reliable.

2. The respondents of the study give sincere answers and the right data

and information on the questionnaires.

3. The proposed activities will strengthen school campaign about e

cigarettes use among students.

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Scope and Delimitation

The study aims to investigate the prevalence of electronic cigarette use

among Senior High School Students in Lananpin National High School for the school

year 2023-2024. It will also investigate electronic cigarette usage among Senior High

school Students. This study excludes students who do not belong to Senior High

School, those who do not attend Lananpin National High School, and those who do

not use electronic cigarettes. Additionally, the study will exclude other factors such

as the impact of electronic cigarettes on health issues and addiction.

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be of great help in developing a better

understanding of the learning behavior of students who encounter the uses of

electronic cigarettes to achieve better quality. of education. It is significantly

beneficial to the following:

Students. As the scope of this study, students will use this opportunity to

know the effect of using electronic cigarettes and how to prevent or handle them

wisely.

Teachers. It increases their awareness of the involvement of students in the

use of electronic cigarettes. They will expand their view of possible consequences

with the help of this study. Therefore, teachers will provide better quality education

or learning habits that will help students.

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 School Administration. The school administration benefits from this study

in a way; it will help them know what to do when they encounter students using

electronic cigarettes. It is important to give them information about what students

are experiencing in their learning habits. In this case, they will have a better

understanding of how to deal with those problems.

Parents of the Students. Parents of students who are committed to their

use of electronic cigarettes will help guide them and help their sons or daughters

know the limits and boundaries regarding the use of electronic cigarettes. In this

way, parents and students will develop a deep bond with each other that will help

them develop a strong mother and son/daughter relationship. Therefore, they will

have a deep understanding of their children's use of electronic cigarettes.

Future Researchers. Future researchers benefit from this study where they

can use it as a resource in their future research with the same topic as this research.

It can also motivate them to know what the effects are of using electronic cigarettes

that can affect and interfere with students' learning habits and know how to deal

with the case.

Definition of Terms

The following words relate to the study. These terms helped readers to

understand the study easier:

Senior High School Students. These are the respondents who are using

electronic cigarettes or vape.

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 Usage. The act of the respondents using electric cigarettes or vape.

E-Cigarette. The Electronic Cigarette, is Cigarette-shaped devices that heat

and vaporize a liquid, typically containing nicotine, that used by the senior high

school students of Lananpin National High School.

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 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the detailed literature and studies review focusing on

the usage of e-cigarettes. It also presents the summary of literature review the

theoretical and conceptual framework of the study.

RELATED LITERATURE

This section presents a literature analysis that focuses on the experiences of

individuals involved in the usage of e-cigarettes.

In the accordance of Porter L, Duke J, Hennon M, Dekevich D, Crankshaw E,

Homsi G, et al. the use of e-cigarettes is a growing concern in public health,

particularly among young people. Preventing access to and use of e-cigarettes by

youth, especially vulnerable groups, is a topic of debate. However, there is limited

knowledge about the characteristics of underage e-cigarette users from different

backgrounds and factors associated with e-cigarette use, such as simultaneous use

with tobacco or alcohol. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors

related to e-cigarette use among secondary and high school students in a socially

disadvantaged rural area in Poland.

The study by Piotrkowski district using a questionnaire adapted from the

Global Youth Tobacco Survey to identify factors associated with e-cigarette use.

Results showed that 22% of the sample reported ever using e-cigarettes, and 27%

reported using them in the past month. Current e-cigarette use was more likely

among boys, those who consumed alcohol, and those who smoked tobacco or had

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smoking parents or friends. Continued e-cigarette use was predicted by male

gender, current tobacco smoking, and lack of knowledge about a school smoking

ban. Higher paternal education and perceiving e-cigarettes as more harmful than

tobacco protected against continued e-cigarette use.

In the study of Farsalinos, K.E., & Polosa, R. (2014). Safety evaluation and

risk assessment of electronic cigarettes as tobacco cigarette substitutes: a

systematic review. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, 5(2), 67-86. The use of

electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased among middle and high school

students in the US, despite a decline in cigarette smoking. New York City

implemented Tobacco 21 (T21) in 2014 to prohibit sales to anyone under age 21,

and a study was conducted to measure its effectiveness on e-cigarette use. The

study found that e-cigarette use increased among NYC high school students from

2014 to 2018 but decreased among middle school students over time. The study

suggests that programs and policies are needed to decrease youth e-cigarette use.

According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines may be facing an

uphill struggle in the vaping epidemic. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)

which was done last 2019 showed that the country is an alarming prevalence of

using ENDS among the youth. 1 in every student, aged 13-15 years old, is already

using e-cigarettes - an age group far less than what is allowed by existing laws. In

addition, the survey highlights that there is an easy accessibility for tobacco

products, with 37.1% of the youth not being prevented from buying these products

regardless of their age, both from stores or street vendors and as advertised in

social media. Health professionals on the frontlines in the country also play a crucial

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role in tobacco control activities. In a prevalence study done in the Visayas region,

Palmes et al.

RELATED STUDIES

This section presents a study analysis that focuses on the experiences of

individuals affected by the usage of e-cigarettes.

Foreign Studies

A survey was conducted to assess the characteristics and experiences of

electronic cigarette (EC) users and to examine the differences between those who

partially and completely substituted smoking with EC use. The survey included

19,414 participants, with 81% reporting complete substitution of smoking and

current smokers reducing their cigarette consumption from 20 to 4 per day.

Participants used ECs for a median of 10 months, with high levels of nicotine used at

initiation. The most common reasons for initiating EC use were to reduce harm

associated with smoking and exposure of family members to second-hand smoke.

Side effects were mild and health benefits were substantial, especially for those who

completely substituted smoking with EC use (Farsalinos, et al. 2014).

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were introduced to the US market in 2007

and quickly became a $2 billion industry by 2013. The Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention has observed a rise in e-cigarette use among teenagers, with usage

rates doubling between 2011 and 2012. Despite studies showing that teens can

purchase cigarettes online, there is currently no research on age verification

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practices among internet tobacco vendors selling e-cigarettes. (Williams, et al.

2015).

The use of e-cigarettes among young people is increasing globally, while the

use of conventional cigarettes is decreasing. To effectively address this trend,

researchers need to understand the prevalence and factors associated with vaping.

A study analyzed 53 articles and found that the international prevalence of young

people's lifetime e-cigarette use was 15.3%, current use was 7.7%, and dual use

was 4.0%. Sweden had the highest lifetime prevalence, Canada had the highest

current prevalence, and the United Kingdom had the highest dual prevalence.

Germany had the lowest prevalence, followed by South Korea and Sweden.

Protective and risk factors included perceived cost and danger of vaping, parental

monitoring, internal developmental assets, cigarette use, family and peer smoking,

exposure to online advertisements, and the presence of nearby retail stores. This

information can be used to develop intervention programs and strategies for young

smokers (Kim, et al. 2022).

Local Studies

According to Bunnel, et al. (2015) the study analyzed data from the National

Youth Tobacco Surveys and found that between 2011 and 2013, the number of

never-smoking youth who used e-cigarettes increased from 79,000 to over 263,000.

The study also found that ever e-cigarette users had higher adjusted odds for having

smoking intentions than never users. The study concludes that e-cigarette use is

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associated with increased intentions to smoke cigarettes, and prevention efforts for

youth are important for all forms of tobacco, including e-cigarettes.

Barraza et al. (2017) highlight the growing concern regarding the use of

electronic cigarettes by adolescents and its potential health impacts. They note that

many local and state governments have taken regulatory actions, including

incorporating e-cigarettes into the definition of tobacco or passing specific laws.

Furthermore, in 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a rule asserting

authority over e-cigarettes and imposing requirements such as premarket approval

applications, reporting of harmful constituents, and warning labels. While the impact

on public health remains uncertain, ongoing developments in regulations and laws

for e-cigarettes are evident.

A study was conducted by Kullen et al. (2019) with the aim of investigating

the prevalence, attitudes, and risk factors associated with e-cigarette use among

high school students in a tobacco-growing state. Their research involved

administering a questionnaire to a sample of over 3,000 public high school students.

The study's findings indicated that most of the students were aware of e-cigarettes,

with a significant portion having experimented with them. Moreover, it was observed

that many students held the belief that e-cigarettes were safe or entailed minimal

health risks. Notably, the research revealed that e-cigarette use was more prevalent

among older students, tobacco users, males, Caucasians, and individuals with lower

academic performance. Additionally, the study pointed out a deficiency in

educational efforts concerning e-cigarettes within school settings.

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 Chapter 3

RESEARCH DESIGN

This chapter includes the research design, population and research

instrument, and data collection method that will be used in the analysis and

interpretation of data in determining the effect of using electronic cigarettes on

student learning behavior. The study aims to explore the usage of electronic

cigarette among Senior High School Students.

Research Method

This study used a quantitative study approach. A descriptive study is one in

which information is collected without changing the environment (i.e., nothing is

manipulated).

This study identifies the usage of electronic cigarettes among Senior High

School students of Lananpin National High School. The study employed a descriptive

study approach to gain in-depth observations and understanding of electronic

cigarette usage among Senior High School students at Lananpin National High

School. Overall, this approach enabled the researchers to observe the effects and

complex issues within their real-life contexts. The study explores various descriptive

study designs and specific research questions that this approach can help address,

as well as the frequently used data sources.

The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the students' usage of

electronic cigarette, its effect, and the reason why they are using electronic

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cigarette. Research aimed to discover how to solve and decrease the usage of

electronic cigarettes.

Locale of the Study

Figure 2: Research Site of the Study Where the Lananpin National High

School is Located

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Population and Sampling

This study will be conducted at Lananpin National High School (LNHS) during

the 2023-2024 school year. It is only intended to collect data from students currently

enrolled in Senior High School who use electronic cigarettes.

The sampling method that will be used in this study is purposive sampling.

This approach involves selecting participants who meet specific criteria, to ensure

that the sample is representative of the population of interest. Selected students will

be selected based on specific eligibility criteria, including their use of electronic

cigarettes while enrolled in Senior High School of Lananpin National High School.

The sample will be selected based on the availability and willingness of participants

to participate in the study.

By using this sampling method, the study aims to provide a detailed

understanding to determine and identify the effect of using electronic cigarettes on

students.

Instrumentation

The researcher will use a survey questionnaire in the form of checklist. The

research adviser will approve the research questionnaire to guarantee its reliability.

The research questionnaire focuses on the profile of the respondents in terms of;

age of smoking initiation, and family members who smoke. Profiling respondents

base on age of smoking initiation, and family members who smoke for us to know

the factors that influencing them in using e-cigarettes. Usage and factors, puffs per

day that they are taking, things that influencing vape along with, personal decision,

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social influence, curiosity. This question is beneficial to the study, for us to

determine the prevalence of e-cigarette.

Data Gathering Procedure

Upon the approval of the research instrument, the researchers will formally

write a letter of consent for the Principal, and after the Principal's approval the

researchers will write a Letter of consent for the Principal Senior Subject Group High

School (SHS) and for Senior High School Advisers and finally for Participants.

The researchers will collect data on students who use electronic cigarettes on

their study habits. The survey sheet consists of questions from the statement of the

problem (SOP). The SOP will help the researchers to know the answers and views of

the students that the use of electronic cigarettes affects their study habits, when the

request is given, the survey sheet will be given throughout the time of researchers.

Finally, after collecting the questionnaires, the researcher will analyze the

data collected and a summary of the results and findings is provided to generate

conclusions and recommendations.

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Statistical Treatment of Data

Scale Statistical Limit Descriptive Equivalent

4 3.50 - 4.00 ___________________

3 2.50 - 3.49 ___________________

2 1.50 - 2.49 ___________________

1 1.00 - 1.49 ___________________

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 Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter features the presentation, analysis of data and interpretation of

the findings gathered in this study. It is discussed in the following order: profile of

the respondents in terms of age of smoking initiation, profile of respondents in terms

of family members who smoke, level of usage, and factors.

Profile of Respondents in Terms of Age of Smoking Initiation. This table

presents the Age of Smoking Initiation. It includes the age 12 years old and below,

13-14 years old, 15-16 years old and 17 years old and above. Total of 43

Respondents.

Table 1

Profile of Respondents in Terms of Age of Smoking Initiation

Age Frequency Percentage

12 years old and below 1 2.33%
13 – 14 4 9.30%
15 – 16 17 39.53%
17 years old and above 21 48.84%
Total 43 100.00%

Based on Table 1 that 21 (48.84%) of the respondents were 17 years old and above,
and 17 (39.53%) of the respondents were 15-16 years old, 4 (9.30%) of the
respondents were 13-14 years old, and 1 (2.33%) of the respondents were 12 years
old and below. This finding shows that most of the respondents’ age of smoking
initiation is 17 years old and above.

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Profile of Respondents in Terms of Family Members Who Smoke. This table
presents the findings of Family Members Who Smoke.

Table 2

Profile of Respondents in Terms of Family Members Who Smoke

Number of Family Members Frequency Percentage

0 1 2.33%
1 42 47.67%
Total 43 100.00%

As indicated in the table 2, it is shown that 42 (47.67%) were composed of family

members who smoke, and 1 (2.33%) were composed of others/relatives. The
majority shows 42 (47.67%) were Family Members.

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Level of Usage of Electronic Cigarettes Among Senior High School
Students. This table presents the level of usage of electronic cigarettes among
senior high school students. It includes the average puffs per day.

Table 3

Level of Usage of Electronic Cigarettes Among Senior High School Students

Average Puffs per Day Frequency

10 3
14 1
15 1
20 3
23 2
30 1
33 6
50 4
100 1
166 4
266 2
300 2
333 9
366 1
3,000 1
3,333 1
283 Over-all Average Puffs per Day

It could be seen in the table 3 that 3,333 (1) puffs per day (PPD), 3,000 (1) PPD,

366 (1) PPD, 333 (9) PPD, 300 (2) PPD, 266 (2) PPD, 166 (4) PPD, 100 (1) PPD, 50

(4) PPD, 33 (6) PPD, 30 (1) PPD, 23 (2) PPD, 20 (3) PPD, 15 (1) PPD, 14 (1) PPD,

and 10 (3) PPD. This finding indicates that the Over-All Average Puffs Per Day is 283.

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Factors. This table tackles about the factors affecting the respondents’ usage of
electronic cigarettes. It includes the Personal Decision, Social Influence, Curiosity.

Table 4

Variable Weighted Mean Descriptive Equivalent

Personal Decision 2.88 Moderate Influence
Social Influence 2.02 Low Influence
Curiosity 2.37 Low Influence
Average Weighted Mean 2.43 Low Influence

As shown in the table 4, Moderate Influence (2.88) were Personal Decision, Low
Influence (2.37) were Curiosity, and Low Influence (2.02) were Social Influence. This
finding shows the factor affecting their usage of electronic cigarette is Personal
Decision.

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 Chapter 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter discusses the summary of findings, conclusions and

recommendations based on the given hypotheses in the entire research study. It
indicates the summary of findings of the previous data. The conclusion also indicates
the most common factor affecting the usage of electronic cigarettes among senior
high school students, and which helps the researchers come up with a program to
address the problem. This chapter also discusses the recommendations the
researchers could give to future researchers who could possibly improve this study.

Summary of Findings

Based on the findings and data gathered throughout the study, the researchers

sought to find the usage of electronic cigarettes among senior high school students

and came up with a summary of findings. According to their profile, the respondents

smoking age initiation is 17 years old and above. Then, the respondent’s family

members who smoke were a lot. Data shows the respondents level of usage of

electronic cigarettes, the totality of respondents’ average puffs per day is 283 puffs.

Lastly, the data shows that it is the respondents Personal Decision to use and

employ electronic cigarette.

Conclusions

In conclusion, after analyzing interpreted all the data, researchers found out
that the usage of electronic cigarettes among senior high school students at lananpin
national high school were high. For example, the age of smoking initiation is 17
years old and above. The influence of family members. The average puffs per day
which is 283 puffs and it is proven that it is their personal decision to use vape. This
factor, affects the students use of vape.

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Recommendations

Based on the summary of findings and conclusions, the researchers

recommended to further improved the study to explore the prevalence of electronic

cigarette usage among senior high school students at lananpin national high school.

The researchers recommended that students should lessen or try to avoid the use of

electronic cigarettes that somehow it is not a good coping mechanism. Furthermore,

researchers proposed an activity to strengthen the anti-e-cigarettes campaign for

the students.

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