Jakarta, September 25, 2024 - In an effort to tackle the health threats that are increasingly evident among adolescents, especially related to the use of vape, the Faculty of Nursing Science at the University of Indonesia (FoN UI) together with the Oncology Nursing Specialist Ners Resident Program held an educational event entitled “Increasing Awareness of the Dangers of Vape in School-Age Adolescents” at SMAN 14 Jakarta. This education aims to increase students' understanding of the great risks that vape poses to health, especially to vital organs such as the lungs.

The event, which took place in the Kramat Jati Health Center working area, was attended by 60 students, teachers, and representatives from the local Health Center. The teenagers who were the main target of this activity received an in-depth presentation on the harmful effects of vape use which is often misinterpreted as a safe alternative to conventional cigarettes. In fact, the data revealed in the presentation shows an alarming trend.

Ns. Ai Aminah, S.Kep., M.Kep., one of the main presenters from FoN UI oncology resident students, revealed the latest data from the National Young Tobacco Survey (2020) showed an increase in the prevalence of e-cigarette use in adolescents aged 13-15 years from 18% in 2016 to 19.2% in 2019. In addition, a study published in the journal American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2019) revealed that vape users are at risk of serious lung diseases, including e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), yang dapat menyebabkan kerusakan permanen pada paru-paru.

While many consider vape to be a safer option, the reality is that vape has serious health implications. “Vape use can cause respiratory tract irritation, increase the risk of heart disease, nicotine addiction, and most worryingly, increase the risk of developing pneumonia which can permanently damage the lungs,” added Ai Aminah.

Vapes are often perceived as a “less harmful” alternative to cigarettes, but they actually have an equally alarming impact, especially on adolescents who are still in a developmental stage. Many teens are tempted by the modern packaging and diverse aromas on offer, without realizing the long-term dangers that await. According to research from Johns Hopkins Medicine (2021) highlights that e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals such as diacetyl, which has been linked to obstructive lung disease, as well as nicotine that triggers addiction and impaired brain development in adolescents. This research further reinforces the importance of education to prevent vape use in the adolescent age group.

Dean of FoN UI, Agus Setiawan, S.Kp., M.N., D.N., in his statement emphasized the urgency of this campaign, especially for the younger generation. “The young generation is the pillar of the nation in the future. If we don't act soon to educate them about the dangers of vaping, we will face a bigger health crisis in the coming years. Through this event, we hope that students can understand and realize the very real health risks of vape use, so that they can make wiser decisions for their future,” said Agus Setiawan.

The event was packed with fun and interactive activities, creating an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm. The students did not just sit and listen, but were also involved in various interesting activities, such as interactive games specifically designed to raise awareness of the dangers of vaping.

The discussion sessions with the resident nursing students also provided a space for students to ask questions and discuss various health aspects related to vape use. For those who needed further support, a counseling corner was available where students could talk privately with resident students, get advice and guidance on how to stop using vapes.

One of the most exciting initiatives of this activity is the selection of vape cessation ambassadors. Students who successfully demonstrate a strong commitment to quit vaping or help their peers to quit, will be named ambassadors, setting a positive example for their school environment.

Besides discussing the immediate dangers of vaping, the event also introduced the concept of CERDIK, an acronym for the six healthy steps suggested by the Indonesian Ministry of Health to prevent non-communicable diseases, including cancer. The students were taught how to adopt healthy habits, starting from cek kesehatan secara berkala, enyahkan asap rokok, rajin aktivitas fisik, diet seimbang, istirahat cukup, hingga mengelola stres.

By engaging students in physical activity and breathing training, the event encourages teenagers to keep their lungs healthy and strong. “Through CERDIK behavior, we hope that students can actively take care of their health and avoid the dangers posed by vapes and cigarettes,” said Ai Aminah.

The program received full support from Puskesmas Kramat Jati, which has been running the Stop Smoking Among School Children campaign. Julita Sibarani, S.Kep, program coordinator from Puskesmas Kramat Jati, said that this campaign is very relevant to current conditions. “Vapes and cigarettes are a real threat to the younger generation. With this activity, we hope that more teenagers will understand the importance of stopping using vapes and choosing a healthy lifestyle,” she said.

This activity is included in the Oncology Nursing Health Promotion course program with the main coordinator, Prof. Dr. Yati Afiyanti, Skp,. M.N and clinical supervisors; Dr. Tuti Nuraini, S.Kp,. M.Biomed and Dr. Allenidekania, S.Kp,. M.Sc. from the Oncology Nursing Specialist Ners Study Program, Faculty of Nursing Science, University of Indonesia.

With this education, it is hoped that more teens will understand the dangers of vaping, and be able to make healthier and more informed decisions, for a better future free from the threat of lung cancer.