Young Adults More Likely to Try Vaping in Brazil, Study Finds

Between 2019 and 2023, Brazil saw a rise in the use of electronic nicotine devices, despite long-standing anti-smoking laws. Researchers analyzed survey data from over 126, 000 adults to see who was most likely to experiment with vapes. The study uncovered surprising trends. Young men aged 18 to 24 were the most frequent users. People living in the Central-West and South regions also showed higher rates compared to other areas. Lifestyle habits played a big role too. Those who smoked cigarettes or drank heavily were more likely to try vaping. Surprisingly, people with more years of education were also more open to vaping than those with less schooling. Even screen time mattered—those who spent three or more hours daily in front of screens were more likely to have tried ENDS at least once.Public health experts warn that this trend isn’t harmless. While vaping seems like a modern, less risky alternative to smoking, there’s still a lot unknown about its long-term harm. These findings suggest the need for smarter warnings and specific campaigns. Targeting high-risk groups like young men or frequent drinkers could make prevention efforts more effective. One key question lingers: Why do better-educated individuals report higher vaping rates? It challenges the idea that education alone leads to healthier choices. Instead, it might point to easy access, social influences, or even marketing tricks.