SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Psychosocial Stressors and E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury

Pdf Summary

This study examined psychosocial stressors among adolescents hospitalized with e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) at Children’s Health Dallas. Using CDC EVALI case definitions, researchers retrospectively identified cases and reviewed psychosocial histories from primary team notes, social work consults, and psychiatry/psychology consults. They then performed qualitative analysis using the HEADSS framework and summarized findings with descriptive statistics and representative quotations.<br /><br />The study found that psychosocial stressors were very common across multiple domains. Family and peer problems were frequent, including arguments, running away, major family disruptions, bullying, poor peer influences, and lack of friendships. School-related difficulties were also common, such as alternative schooling, truancy, failing grades, and repeating a school year. Mental and emotional health concerns were prominent, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation or self-harm, and oppositional or fighting behaviors. High-risk behaviors were especially prevalent, with almost all patients reporting THC vaping, many reporting nicotine vaping, dual vaping, and polysubstance use. Some also had high-risk sexual histories. Legal involvement, such as police or CPS contact and juvenile detention, appeared in a smaller subset.<br /><br />Representative patient quotations highlighted severe challenges such as substance misuse, abuse, family conflict, juvenile detention, and chronic depression beginning early in childhood.<br /><br />Overall, the findings show that adolescents with EVALI often experience substantial psychosocial adversity across several life domains. The authors conclude that caring for these patients requires interdisciplinary management and attention to social determinants of health, not just the lung injury itself.

Asset Subtitle

Harin Lee

Meta Tag

Author List Devika Rao, Harin Lee, Melissa Harrell

Category Research

Concept E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury

Concept E-Cigarette Use

Concept Psychosocial Stressor

Concept HEADSS Assessment

Concept Social Determinants of Health

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Presenting Author Harin Lee

Track Pediatric

Keywords

EVALI

adolescents

psychosocial stressors

vaping

THC use

nicotine vaping

mental health

family conflict

school difficulties

substance use

E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury

E-Cigarette Use

Psychosocial Stressor

HEADSS Assessment

Social Determinants of Health