Perceived Parental Knowledge Reduces Risk for Initiation of Nicotine and Cannabis Vaping: A Longitudinal Study of Adolescents

Purpose This study examines the role of perceived parental knowledge on initiation of nicotine and cannabis vaping among youth. Design Longitudinal study from a self-administered online survey. Three waves of data collected in 6-month intervals. Setting 79 public and private schools in Texas. Participants Adolescents who self-reported never using e-cigarette to vape nicotine (n=1907; weighted sample [N] = 304371) or vape cannabis (n=2212; N=351955) at baseline. Participants were in 8(th), 10(th), and 12(th) grade at baseline. Measures Self-reported measures of nicotine and cannabis vaping. Analyses Weighted multivariate logistic regression models examined role of perceived parental knowledge at baseline (Spring 2016) as a predictor of nicotine and cannabis vaping initiation at 6-month (Fall 2016) and 12 month (Spring 2017) follow-up. Covariates were age, sex, race/ethnicity, and other tobacco use. Results Initiation rates were 5.9% for nicotine vaping and 8.6% for cannabis vaping, at 12-month follow-up overall. Higher perceived parental knowledge was associated with lower odds of nicotine vaping initiation at 6 months (adj OR: .69; 95% CI: .50-.93) and 12 months (adj OR: .68; 95% CI: .50-.92). Similarly, higher perceived parental knowledge was associated with lower odds of cannabis vaping initiation at 6 months (adj OR: .58; 95% CI: .38-.87) and 12 months (adj OR: .53; 95% CI: .38-.74). Conclusion E-cigarette prevention efforts directed at adolescents should incorporate parent engagement strategies as a method of increasing actual and perceived parental knowledge of their child's location, activities and peer groups.

Automated summary

This study examines the role of perceived parental knowledge on the initiation of nicotine and cannabis vaping among youth. The results show that higher perceived parental knowledge is associated with lower odds of nicotine and cannabis vaping initiation among adolescents.