Opoku-Mensah, Yvonne (2025) Exploring the Long-Term Effects of Vaping on Respiratory Health Among Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
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Abstract
Background: Vaping has emerged as a widespread behaviour among adolescents globally, raising growing concerns regarding its long-term respiratory health implications. While e-cigarettes are often marketed as safer alternatives to conventional smoking, emerging evidence suggests that adolescent use may be associated with a range of adverse respiratory outcomes. Given the vulnerability of the adolescent respiratory system, a systematic synthesis of available evidence is crucial to inform public health, clinical practice, and regulatory policies. Aim: This review aimed to systematically evaluate and synthesise the long-term effects of vaping on respiratory health among adolescents aged 10–19 years. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic databases searched included PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest. Pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, focusing on primary studies involving adolescents and reporting respiratory outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the Coughlan, Cronin, and Ryan checklist. Data were extracted using a standardised form and synthesised thematically. Results: From 1,327 records initially identified, 12 studies met the final inclusion criteria. Six major themes emerged: (1) chronic respiratory symptoms (cough, wheeze, bronchitic symptoms, and asthma exacerbations), (2) pulmonary function impairment (notably reduced FEV1/FVC in vapers), (3) pathophysiological mechanisms (airway inflammation and oxidative stress), (4) second-hand vapour exposure, associated with increased asthma risk in non-vaping adolescents, (5) dose and duration of use, with frequent or prolonged vaping linked to more severe symptoms, and (6) vaping, addiction, and psychosocial influences, highlighting peer pressure, marketing, and nicotine dependence as factors exacerbating risks. Conclusion: The findings indicate that adolescent vaping is consistently associated with adverse respiratory outcomes, with dose–response relationships suggesting cumulative harm. Evidence of impaired lung function and second-hand exposure further underscores the public health relevance. Future longitudinal and experimental research is needed to establish causal mechanisms and inform targeted prevention strategies.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare |
| Divisions: | Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations |
| Depositing User: | Victoria Hankinson |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Dec 2025 10:25 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Dec 2025 10:25 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/4024 |
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