Embedded Files
Proposal
Summary
Cigarettes have had a long history of addiction and illness. Many people who are addicted have tried to quit and failed. The addictive properties of the nicotine in cigarettes, cause the user to depend on the cigarette for a daily boost of relaxation or normalcy. Each failed attempt from users creates more disparity to quit the addiction. The tobacco industry became smart to the thousands of people either quitting or trying to quit their products. This helped them create the electronic cigarette (Dutra, 2014). Smokers who had wanted so badly to quit were allured by its low nicotine content all while making them believe they had kicked their smoking addition. Without assessing the risks that the new technology held, many smokers started to flock to the electronic cigarette. Along with current addicts, the new deceive also caught the attention of younger generations. The colorful designs and the effervescent release created mass popularity. This not only starts adolescents smoking from an earlier age but creates a dependency on the device and the nicotine that can be used through it (National, 2016). Electronic cigarettes have been out for a short time, but their infatuation has not wavered. In the short time, they have been studied and have been proven as a worse option for current smokers while also having lasting negative impacts on the human body. Having strong regulations on the products for underage users and strict laws for underage use can help reduce the use of electronic cigarettes.
Intended Audience
This issue is something that affects thousands of people. Many people know someone who smokes or is a smoker themselves.An estimated 15.5% of adults in the United States were cigarette smokers in 2016 (Tips, 2018). This number does not account for those individuals who smoked electronic cigarettes. In teens, the rate of using electronic cigarettes is over double the rate of those using regular cigarettes. This also translates to the rate of those users who will eventually start smoking the real thing. Near double those who smoke electronic cigarettes, begin smoking regular cigarettes either during or after smoking the electronic cigarettes (National, 2016). All these statistics translate to one thing; electronic cigarettes are easy to access and are increasingly popular in today’s users especially teens. Therefore, the main demographic that receives this information needs to be teens and young adults.
The aim of directing this information at teenagers is to help prevent teens from starting the habit.Showing the statistics and the risks of starting can help lessen the hold smoking has on younger generations. If teens can acknowledge the health risks and the long-term effects, they can make a more informed decision on smoking in general.Another demographic that would benefit from this information is any adult who is smoking cigarettes or electronic cigarettes.This will inform smokers that using electronic cigarettes is not a crutch to stop smoking.Lastly, it will help adults who already smoke electronic cigarettes.It will help them similar to the teenage demographic. It will prevent adults from starting the habit and will aid them in making an informed decision on the habit.
Project Prevalence/ Need
Electronic cigarette use is becoming increasingly more common. Television and social media ads have influenced this trend. In a 2016 study, it was found that seven out of ten teenagers are exposed to electronic cigarette ads(National, 2016). The same study also found that teenagers are two times more likely to smoke electronic cigarettes than regular cigarettes, “Past-month use of cigarettes was 3.6 percent among 8th graders, 6.3 percent among 10th graders, and 11.4 percent among 12th graders. Past-month use of e-cigarettes was 9.5 percent among 8th graders, 14.0 percent among 10th graders, and 16.2 percent among 12 graders” (National, 2016). In another recent national survey, it was found that around six out of ten teenagers in America believe that electronic cigarettes pose little to no harm if they are not used every day. While 20% of adolescents and teenagers believe, electronic cigarettes cause absolutely no harm (National, 2016). Only a little more than half believe that the devices have the ability to cause any sort of harm, and about 26.8% believe the devices are extremely harmful (National, 2016). Young people who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to believe they cause no harm than those who have never used electronic cigarettes. All this information shows that many teenagers do not accurately understand the risks of smoking electronic cigarettes. It also shows that many teens are engaging in this behavior.
Health Messages
The message that needs to be portrayed is the risk to overall health electronic cigarettes pose. In the younger generations, their brain is still developing. This means you they are more susceptible to addiction than adults (Center, 2018). Most electronic cigarettes contain nicotine which can cause a change in brain chemistry. This change makes teenagers crave more nicotine. All of this can eventually affect memory and concentration (Center, 2018). While scientists are still in the process of learning more about how electronic cigarettes affect health, there is already plenty of evidence to justify and fight to prevent electronic cigarette use (Center, 2018). Due to most users starting at a young age, actions to protect young people from a lifetime of addiction are needed. Electronic cigarettes can even increase the possibility of addiction while also causing possible harm to teenagers and adolescents brain development and respiratory health (Center, 2018). Electronic cigarette use can also be seen as a “gateway” drug by enticing users to try different drugs other than nicotine. This can include alcohol use and other substances such as marijuanasince many of the devices can be manipulated to smoke the drug (Center, 2018). Another negative side effect is the aerosol. Breathing in the aerosol that is emitted from the device poses a potential health risk to those around the user. The smoke has been known to contain harmful chemicals (Center, 2018). This can include diacetyl which is a chemical linked to lung disease, nicotine, benzene which is found in car exhaust, and many heavy metals.These metals include tine, nickel, and lead (Center, 2018). Researchers are still exploring the risks of electronic cigarettes and trying to fully understand the effects that they can pose to the body. Lastly, another risk to consider involves defective electronic cigarette batteries. The batteries have been known to cause fires and sometimes even small explosions. These incidents have been the cause of serious injuries in users (Center, 2018).
Potential Challenges
With this campaign, comes some challenges. The main challenges come with acceptance and integration of the information. With teenagers, it is hard to get them to accept information and to get them to implement into their life. At this stage of life, they believe they are invincible. Many do not think anything bad can happen to them. This poses a problem. With so many of the demographic believing that the devices cause no harm whatsoever coupled with them also thinking they are invincible makes it hard for them to put the information into action. Improving adolescent’s health literacy about the topic can help them make more informed decisions regarding electronic cigarettes. A recent study stated just this, “Without accessible information, there is no basis by which an individual, organization, or community can process messages to improve health outcomes. Because information accessibility is closely related to communication channels, i.e., the methods by which people receive messages, this section will overview how people obtain information through healthcare providers, print sources, and the Internet. Both obstacles and strategies for obtaining information through these channels will be presented” (Egbert & Nanna, 2009). Another potential challenge is the integration of the information into their daily lives. This can pose a problem because education and campaigns only go so far. The users must take the information and intergrade it into their lives to see a difference. To promote integration, campaigns can create a multiple step program to help the users all the way through quitting and to promote progress. For people who have not started smoking, they can be given incentives or a peer mentor to help them avoid the temptation and encourage them to not start.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcome of this health literacy campaign is to reduce the prevalence of smoking among teenagers and young adults. The way this will be measured is by taking a random sample of high school teenagers and asking them to complete an anonymous survey. The results will be recorded before and after the campaign to determine if the rate of teenage electronic cigarette usage has reduced due to the campaign. The survey will also be taken three months after the campaign to determine if the information was integrated into their daily lives to help them avoid the devices. Overall, teenagers and young adults will benefit from the information received and be given the opportunity to make a life change regarding their smoking habits. This in-tern will create a healthier and wiser generation that can make informed decisions about electronic cigarettes.
Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography
Brazier, Y. (2018, June 25). E-cigarettes: How they work, benefits, and risks. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216550.php
Medical News Today offers accurate and reliable information. This information ranges from the risks, the mechanics, and the possible benefits of the electronic cigarettes. The authors present an unbiased view and opinion based on medical evidence. The authors wanted readers to fully understand what the product is and how they work. If readers understand these points they can fully understand the risks of the devices.
I chose this source as it was very reputable and connected well to my topic. The statistics and facts create a reliable source that benefited my paper well. The content was relevant to the topic and supported my claim. Having this basis of information to implement into the paper gave myself and readers more knowledge on the topic. Which will let readers make a more informed decision on the usage of the devices.
Bullen, C., Howe, C., & McRobbie, H. (2013, September 09). Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation: A randomised controlled trial. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673613618425
Authors Bullen, Howe, and McRobbie brought forth an interesting study pertaining to helping current smokers quit smoking by using the alternative, electronic cigarettes. The study found that users are more likely to give up cigarettes if they have electronic ones to fall back on. While cigarette use went down, electronic cigarette users went up. Both of the options contain nicotine. While one option is safer than the other, they both contain harmful chemicals.
I chose this article due to its credibility and relatable content. I liked that it brought a different perspective to the campaign. It supported the claim that electronic cigarettes can be used in place of regular cigarettes. While this goes against my claim, it shows a different perspective. The study supports part of my claim though. By using electronic cigarettes, users are still consuming nicotine.
Cahn, Z., & Siegel, M. (2010, December 09). Electronic cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for tobacco control: A step forward or a repeat of past mistakes? Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/jphp.2010.41
Authors Cahn and Siegel, conducted a study pertaining to the issue of the safety of electronic cigarettes and how to reduce the harm they can produce. The article makes it apparent that by reducing the use of electronic cigarettes reduces the harm they cause. The study is supported by many reliable sources and is filled with facts. The study also presents many important information about electronic cigarettes.
I chose this source for its credibility. The authors presented a well conducted study. This information was useful to my research and to my campaign. I implemented into my paper some of the statists presented and the ideas that the study elaborated on. The information made my paper better as a whole and was useful to portray to readers the information.
Center for Disease Control. (2018). Know the Risks: E-cigarettes & Young People | U.S. Surgeon General's Report. Retrieved October 04, 2018, from http://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
This source is from the center for disease control. The website is centered around the risks and hazards of smoking electronic cigarettes. The information is presented in a very formal and information way. Each tab on the website contains accurate information that is distributed by possibly one of the most reliable websites for anything medical or disease related. The website has many resources for users and families of users.
I chose this source for its immense information. The source is clearly reliable and has many useful facts. The information is very reputable with being distributed by the center for disease control. The information is very geared towards the medical side of trying to reduce electronic cigarette use. This makes the source unbiased since it is based on medical evidence rather than opinion.
Dutra LM, Glantz SA. Electronic Cigarettes and Conventional Cigarette Use Among US Adolescents A Cross-sectional Study. JAMA Pediatr. 2014;168(7):610–617. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.5488
Authors Dutra and Glantz highlight the prevalence of electronic cigarette use among adolescents. The data shows that electronic cigarette use starts young. This turns into life long addicts who are more likely to eventually smoke real cigarettes. By educating students at a young age, the rate of underage use declines. This translates to regular cigarettes too.
I chose this source for its credibility. The authors presented a well conducted study. This information was useful to my research and to my campaign. I implemented into my paper some of the statists presented and the ideas that the study elaborated on. The information made my paper better as a whole and was useful to portray to readers the information.
Egbert, N., & Nanna, K. M. (2009, November 03). Health Literacy: Challenges and Strategies. Retrieved October 05, 2018, from http://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol142009/No3Sept09/Health-Literacy-Challenges.html
Authors Egbert and Nanna highlight the importance of health literacy. Health literacy is an integral part of our health system. The topic has already caught attention from mass media due to its prevalence in society. The study also highlights the importance of health literacy by comparing it to outcomes like social, economic status, education, gender, and age. By acknowledging the importance of the issue, we can help make it something that is second nature.
I chose this source as it was very reputable and connected well to my topic. The statistics and facts create a reliable source that benefited my paper well. The content was relevant to the topic and supported my claim. Having this basis of information to implement into the paper gave myself and readers more knowledge on the topic. This can help readers make an informed decision on whether to start the addiction or not.
Goniewicz, M. L., Knysak, J., Gawron, M., Kosmider, L., Sobczak, A., Kurek, J., . . . Benowitz, N. (2014, March 01). Levels of selected carcinogens and toxicants in vapour from electronic cigarettes. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/23/2/133.citation-tools
This study goes in depth on the argument that electronic cigarettes are better for you than regular cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes are supposed to deliver nicotine without other toxins. Which is to be a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. However, little to no toxicity testing has been performed on the devices to evaluate the chemical nature of the vapor generated from them. The goal of this study was to screen the chemicals for toxic and carcinogenic compounds.
I chose this study due to its originality compared to the other articles I analyzed. This article has unique data and finings that I felt would benefit my campaign overall. The study found that the electronic cigarette vapors can contain toxic substances. The levels of the toxins found in the vapor was 9–450 times lower than in cigarette smoke, but still higher than expected. Having this as an addition to my paper helped create a stronger argument for the reduction of electronic cigarette use.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016, February 11). Teens and E-cigarettes. Retrieved October 04, 2018, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/teens-e-cigarettes
The information from the “National Institute on Drug Abuse”, is very statistically based. The information that the page provides is all statistics on the prevalence of electronic cigarette use in adolescents. Since teens are more likely to use electronic cigarettes than cigarettes, the data is centered around that demographic.In the past-month according to the study, use of cigarettes among teenagers was 3.6 percent among 8th graders, 6.3 percent among 10th graders, and 11.4 percent among 12th graders. Past-month use of e-cigarettes was 9.5 percent among 8th graders, 14.0 percent among 10th graders, and 16.2 percent among 12 graders. This data comes straight from the article and shows the rising rates of usage with the teenage demographic.
I chose this source as it was very reputable and connected well to my topic. The statistics and facts create a reliable source that benefited my paper well. The content was relevant to the topic and supported my claim. Having this basis of information to implement into the paper gave myself and readers more knowledge on the topic. This can help readers make an informed decision on whether to start the addiction or not.
Quit Smoking. (2018). What We Know About Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigarettes). Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/ecigs-menthol-dip/ecigs
The article by “Quit Smoking”, is a website is centered around the risks and hazards of smoking electronic cigarettes. The information is presented in a very formal and information way. Each tab on the website contains accurate information distributed by a reputable source. The website has many resources for users and families of users. Much of the information is usful and broad so anyone can understand it.
I chose this source as it was very reputable and connected well to my topic. The statistics and facts create a reliable source that benefited my paper well. The content was relevant to the topic and supported my claim. Having this basis of information to implement into the paper gave myself and readers more knowledge on the topic. This can help readers make an informed decision on whether to start the addiction or not.
Tips From Former Smokers ®. (2018, April 23). Retrieved October 04, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/data/cigarette-smoking-in-united-states.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=EST 4059 - Tips 2016 Campaign Search - English - Prevention Terms&utm_content=Tobacco - Broad&utm_term=tobacco smoking statistics&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9zdBRDgARIsAL5Nyn3vpWT_pJlt33ufgrDHYzEeq3q2NEsy7NKLhUzHFchHuHaKE6v1-nYaAmMtEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
The article “Tips from Smokers”, present information ranging from the risks, the mechanics, and lasting side effects of using electronic cigarettes. The author presents a biased opinion on the issue as they are all users who are being interviewed. The author wanted readers to fully understand what the product is the many risks that come along with using the devices. If readers understand these points they can make more informed decisions pertaining to the devices.
I chose this source as it was very reputable and connected well to my topic. The statistics and facts create a reliable source that benefited my paper well. The content was relevant to the topic and supported my claim. Having this basis of information to implement into the paper gave myself and readers more knowledge on the topic. This can help readers make an informed decision on whether to start the addiction or not.
Rationale Memo
TO: Kara Kenan and the class of English 325
FROM: Madalyne Beavers, Head Researcher
DATE: October 26, 2018
SUBJECT: The Risks of Electronic Cigarettes
The research regarding electronic cigarette use is correlated to the increased use of tobacco and nicotine. Increased use of the products has been linked to increased addiction. The researchers believe this is too large a problem. To aid in the elimination of this problem, researchers have created a digital and visual campaign targeted at adolescents. With the campaign, researchers have been able to educate users and possible future users with accurate and reliable information.
ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
The aim of the campaign is to reduce the prevalence of electronic cigarette smoking among adolescents. Researchers found that an estimated 15.5% of adults in the United States were cigarette smokers in 2016 (Tips, 2018). This number does not account for those individuals who smoked electronic cigarettes. In teens, the rate of using electronic cigarettes is over double the rate of those using regular cigarettes. It was also found that near double users who smoke electronic cigarettes, begin smoking regular cigarettes either during or after smoking electronic ones (Tips, 2018). In a 2016 study, it was found that seven out of ten teenagers are exposed to electronic cigarette ads that promote their use (National, 2016). The same study also found that teenagers are two times more likely to smoke electronic cigarettes than regular cigarettes, “Past-month use of cigarettes was 3.6 percent among 8th graders, 6.3 percent among 10th graders, and 11.4 percent among 12th graders. Past-month use of e-cigarettes was 9.5 percent among 8th graders, 14.0 percent among 10th graders, and 16.2 percent among 12 graders” (National, 2016). The aim of directing this information at teenagers is to help prevent teens from starting the habit. Showing the statistics and the risks of starting can help lessen the hold smoking has on younger generations. If teens can acknowledge the health risks and the long-term effects, they can make a more informed decision on smoking in general. Using this information helped researchers decide to use the platform of “Twitter” to make the information accessible to teenagers since the website is heavily trafficked by adolescents. The research also aided in the decision to create a visually based commercial with vibrant graphics to be played on television along with a flier that follows the same principles.
SUMMARY
The issue of adolescent electronic use is one that researchers aim to tackle. This is being attained using the media campaigns that have been put forth. These include a television commercial, fliers, and social media platform exclusively on “Twitter”. The role of the campaigns is to educate adolescents about the risks of electronic cigarette use. By utilizing education and outreach programs, researchers can reduce the prevalence of electric cigarette use among adolescents.
Campaign
Video: https://youtu.be/DWTI5WIBj_k
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