Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education
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Background. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most commonly used tobacco product among adolescents. We aimed to identify factors associated with e-cigarette susceptibility and curiosity among adolescents who are and are not susceptible to cigarette smoking. ⋯ Among adolescents (both susceptible and nonsusceptible to smoking cigarettes), being female, exposure to e-cigarette aerosol in public places, exposure to e-cigarette ads at point-of-sale, and having low perceived harm and addictiveness of e-cigarettes versus cigarettes were associated with having greater odds of susceptibility toward and curiosity about e-cigarette use. Conclusions. Future regulatory policies and tobacco control prevention campaigns should focus on increasing health awareness (e.g., potential harm and addictiveness) of e-cigarettes among adolescents and restrict marketing and the use of e-cigarettes in public places.
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April is National Minority Health Month in the United States. The first week of April is National Public Health Week. ⋯ Drawing from critical theory, I use essay to contextualize present COVID-19 discourse and poetry to situate this discourse within a broader historical arc of the United States' racist, classist, and homophobic proclivities in times of public health crises. I use the combination of essay/poem as creative praxis to analyze and reflect on our present moment in relation to public health pasts and to raise questions about public health research, education, and data futures-offering a critical commentary on the intersections of infectious diseases, structural inequality (e.g., racism), data politics, and public health violence.
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Health education and promotion researchers and practitioners are committed to eliminating health disparities, and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) has continuously supported this effort through its journals, professional development, annual conferences, and advocacy. The COVID-19 pandemic elucidated inequities directly caused by racism and other social determinants of health. ⋯ I invite us all to heed the call to action on these five points: place racism on the agenda, practice cultural humility, claim your privilege and eliminate microaggressions, utilize strategies that promote inclusion and equity, and embrace your inner leader and activist. Just as SOPHE as an organization pivoted its annual conference from on ground to virtual in March 2020, so can we be innovative and brave as professionals to face the hard work and dedication needed to become antiracist.