CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that simulate smoking by heating a liquid to create a vapor that

is inhaled this is what's generally called "vaping". Vape pens that run on batteries produce aerosol that

resembles water vapor but is made up over 30 different compounds, including flavoring and nicotine.

When the aerosol is breathed, the chemical and nicotine enter the blood stream through the lungs. The

most common application for E-cigarettes is to vape nicotine e-liquid solution. Other medicines, like as

THC (cannabis) or nicotine free "e-liquid", which are compose of a blend of chemicals, including

solvents, sweeteners, and flavoring like fruit, lollipops, coffee, or alcohol, can also be inhaled through

devices. Texas Department of State Health Services. (nd). Alcohol and Drug foundation (2023).

Ten percent of students in middle and high school in 2023 was reported to using tobacco products. The

percentage of high school students who currently use E-cigarettes decreased from 14.1% to 10.0% in

2023. The most often used tobacco product among young people is still E-cigarettes. Tobacco Product

Use Among US Middle and High School Students-National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023. Centers for

Disease control and prevention.

The use of E-cigarettes has been developing and has come to be a tremendous public fitness concern.

prevention of the teens gets right of entry to initiation and non-stoop use of E-cigarettes with unique

interest to susceptible organization topic of a fitness debate. However nevertheless, little is understood

approximately traits of the underage E-cigarettes customers from specific geographic and socio-financial

backgrounds in addition to different capability elements related to using E-cigarette, which include
simultaneous use with tobacco merchandise or alcohol. BMC Public Health Use of electronic cigarettes

among secondary and high school student from a socially disadvantaged rural area in Poland.

Initially introduced as a tool to assist with smoking cessation and reduce the adverse effects of cigarette

smoking, electronic cigarettes (E-cigarette) and vaping devices have witnessed a surge in popularity.

particularly among vulnerable group such as young individuals and pregnant women, who often

mistakenly perceive them as harmless. Despite increasing awareness of the potential dangers associated

with E-cigarette use, there remains conflicting information regarding their efficacy as smoking cessation

aids, coupled with a lack comprehension clinical studies conducted on human subject. Therefore, it is

imperative to conduct further investigations to better understand the potential benefits and without in

order to inform future health considerations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of

the lates literature on the adverse effects of E-cigarette use and its implications for current and

forthcoming health issues. (Febrizic. Nenna & Midulla. 2022).

The vaping epidemic in the Philippines is an example of how commercial influences and government

policies, in the context of disinformation, can exacerbate public health issues. The Philippines in facing a

rising use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among youth. We conducted a literature review

in PubMed and Google Schoolar to examine the state of vaping in the Philippines and the lack of research

on the health implication of the growing E-cigarettes industry. We also discussed the vape bill which

lapsed into to law Republic Act 11900, which regulates E-cigarettes and transfers the regulatory power

from the Department of health to Department of trade and industry. We outlined a call to action on three

fronts tailoring national policies funding research and improving health education in the youth.

Policymakers must prioritize public health gains over economic benefits and consider the impact of their

decision of future generations health choices (Lance, 2023).

The act No. 11900 Secs 6,9,8,19 according to tobacco control laws the sale of E-cigarettes is allowed

subject to restrictions including location-based sales restrictions and a maximum sales age. (Tobacco

Control Laws, n.d.).

The locale of the study, in this case ACLC College of Tacloban, can provide valuable information about

the prevalence of vaping among students, their attitudes towards it, and the factors the contribute to their

decision to use it additionally understanding the local laws and regulations surrounding vaping can help

researchers understand how they affect students access and usage patterns. By make more informed

recommend actions for future research or policy changes.

Statement of the problem:

This study is aimed to understand the E-cigarette Perceptions and Motivations: A Qualitative Study for

Vaping Experiences of Grade 11 Students in ACLC College of Tacloban. Specifically, this seeks to

answer the following questions:

1. What are the experiences of students who use e-cigarettes?

2. What motivated the students to start using e-cigarettes?

3. What are the perceptions and motivations of students who use e-cigarettes?

Research hypothesis

Hypothesis 1: Null Hypothesis (H0): There are no distinct patterns in the reasons for initiating e-cigarette

use among different demographic groups (e.g., age, gender, socio-economic status). Alternative
Hypothesis (H1): There are distinct patterns in the reasons for initiating e-cigarette use among different

demographic groups (e.g., age, gender, socio-economic status).

Hypothesis 2: Null Hypothesis (H0): Vapers do not perceive e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to

traditional cigarettes. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Vapers perceive e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to

traditional cigarettes.

Hypothesis 3: Null Hypothesis (H0): There are no significant motivational differences between those who

use e-cigarettes to quit smoking and those who use them for recreational purposes. Alternative Hypothesis

(H1): There are significant motivational differences between those who use e-cigarettes to quit smoking

and those who use them for recreational purposes.

Hypothesis 4: Null Hypothesis (H0): Social influences do not play a significant role in the decision to

start using e-cigarettes. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Social influences play a significant role in the

decision to start using e-cigarettes.

Hypothesis 5: Null Hypothesis (H0): Users do not perceive any social or lifestyle benefits from vaping.

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Users perceive social or lifestyle benefits from vaping.

Rationale E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular, and understanding the perceptions and

motivations behind their use is crucial for informing public health strategies and policies. This qualitative

study aims to explore the various factors that influence individuals to start and continue using e-

cigarettes, their perceptions of the risks and benefits, and how social dynamics affect their vaping

behavior.

Scope and delimitation of the study

The study was conducted to determine the E-Cigarette Perception and Motivation; A qualitative Study on

the vaping Experience of students of Grade 11 Infotmation and Communication Tecnology in ACLC

College of Tacloban S.Y 2023-2024. The purpose of conducting a qualitative study on the Vaping

experience of student is to gain deeper insight into their perception and motivation regarding E-

Cigarettes. The study is only for Grade 11 Students.

Significance of the Study:

Administrator. In response to the issue of students using vape, may implement programs or support

systems to help student quit vaping, provide education about risk, and create a safe space for discussion

without punishment. The goal is to promote student health and well-being while addressing the issue

constructively.

Teachers. This study would help teachers to teach students how e-cigarettes will affect to their health.

The teachers can use what they learn to teach the students about the risks of using e cigarettes. It can also

help the teachers know the reasons of the students who use e-cigarettes. Teachers can also provide

information

Student. The research will add to the existing body of knowledge on e-cigarette use among student. It can

serve as a valuable resource for future studies and contribute to the qualitative understanding of this topic,

it will help raise awareness among the student about the potential risk and benefit associated with e-

cigarette use.

Future researchers. The about e-cigarettes and students is important because it tells us why students use

e- cigarettes and what they think about them. It will help future researchers to learn. More about vaping

among students and how to help them if they need it. This study can also help people who make rules

about e-cigarettes decide what rules to make to keep students healthy. By knowing why students use e-
cigarettes, we can make students to help them stop if they want to. It can use the information from this

study to make sure that students are safe and heathy when it comes to using e-cigarettes.

Definition of Terms

For the study titled "E-Cigarette Perceptions and Motivations: A Qualitative Study on the Vaping

Experiences of ACLC Grade 11 Students," the following key terms are defined to ensure clarity and a

shared understanding of the concepts explored in the research:

E-Cigarette (Electronic Cigarette): A battery-operated device that heats a liquid (e-liquid) to create a

vapor, which is inhaled by the user. The liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other

chemicals. E-cigarettes are also known as vapes, vape pens, or electronic nicotine delivery systems

(ENDS).

Vaping: The act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. Vaping

mimics the experience of smoking but does not involve burning tobacco.

Perception: The way individuals interpret and understand the concept of e-cigarettes, including their

beliefs about the safety, risks, benefits, and social acceptance of vaping.

Motivation: The reasons or driving forces behind individuals' decisions to start, continue, or quit using

e-cigarettes. This can include factors such as curiosity, peer influence, perceived health benefits, or the

desire to quit smoking traditional cigarettes.

Health Belief Model (HBM): A theoretical model used to explain and predict health-related behaviors

by focusing on individuals' attitudes and beliefs about health conditions. Key components include

perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers.

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT): A theoretical framework that emphasizes the role of observational

learning, social experiences, and reciprocal determinism in behavior change. Key concepts include self-

efficacy, observational learning, and outcome expectations.

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): A theory that predicts deliberate behavior based on individuals'

intentions, which are influenced by their attitudes towards the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived

behavioral control.

Self-Efficacy: An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

In the context of vaping, it refers to a student's confidence in their ability to resist peer pressure or quit

using e-cigarettes.

Subjective Norms: The perceived social pressure to perform or not perform a particular behavior. This

includes the influence of peers, family, and societal expectations on students' decisions to use e-cigarettes.

Attitudes: Personal views or feelings towards e-cigarettes and vaping, which can be positive, negative,

or neutral. Attitudes are shaped by personal experiences, knowledge, and beliefs.

Adolescents: Individuals in the transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood,

typically defined as being between the ages of 10 and 19. In this study, the focus is specifically on Grade

11 students, who are generally aged 16-17.

Qualitative Study: A research method focused on understanding individuals' experiences, behaviors, and

perceptions through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and content analysis. Qualitative research

aims to provide in-depth insights into the research topic.

Smoking Cessation: The process of discontinuing the use of tobacco products. This study explores

whether e-cigarettes are used by students as a tool for quitting smoking traditional cigarettes.

Peer Influence: The impact that classmates, friends, and social groups have on an individual's behavior.

Peer influence can play a significant role in the decision to start or continue using e-cigarettes. Nicotine:
An addictive chemical compound found in tobacco and many e-liquids used in e-cigarettes. Nicotine is

responsible for the addictive properties of smoking and vaping.

These definitions provide a clear and consistent understanding of the key terms used throughout the

study, ensuring that all stakeholders, including researchers, participants, and readers, have a shared

understanding of the concepts being explored.

Reference:

Texas Department of State Health Services. (nd). Alcohol and Drug foundation (2023). Retrieved from,

https://www.dshs.texas.gov

Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2023). Retrieved from: https://adf.org.au.

Tobacco Product Use Among U.S Middle and High School Students- National Youth Tobacco Survey,

2023. https://www.cdc.gov//mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm724a1.htm

Centers for Disease control and prevention. Retrieved from BMC Public Health Use of electronic

cigarettes among secondary and high school student from a socially disadvantaged rural area in Poland.

Retrieved from https://hmcpiblichealth biomendcentral.com/articles/10.1186/6/s12889-016-3417-

yhttps://www.who.int/news-room//-vaping.

(Febrizic, Nenna & Midulla, 2022). Retrieved from https://uponline,

biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s 13052-022-01286-71 The act No. 11900 Secs 6,9,8,19 according to

tobacco control laws the sale of E-cigarettes is allowed subject to restrictions including location-based

sales restrictions and a maximum sales age. Tobacco Control Laws (nd)

https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/philippines/e-cigarettes/mai-policies