Youth with mental health issues increasingly use nicotine products

A new study has found that youth aged 16-19 with mental health symptoms, like anxiety and depression, are more likely to use nicotine products, especially e-cigarettes. This trend has been linked to the pandemic's impact on mental health. The research analyzed data from over 80,000 adolescents in Canada, England, and the U.S. between 2020 and 2023. It showed a strong connection between mental health issues and the use of both combustible and non-combustible nicotine products. The study suggests that e-cigarette use is particularly associated with poor mental health in adolescents. Researchers call for more investigation into this relationship and caution against promoting e-cigarettes as a safer alternative without considering their mental health implications.