Communication About Adolescent and Caregiver Smoking and Vaping During Pediatric Asthma Visits: Implications for Providers

Abstract

Introduction: Although rates of cigarette smoking among U.S. adolescents have declined, rates of vaping (i.e., using e-cigarettes) have increased. We conducted a secondary analysis of 359 transcripts of medical visits of adolescents with asthma to examine communication about caregiver and adolescent smoking and vaping.

Method: Adolescents aged 11-17 years with persistent asthma and their parents were enrolled from four pediatric clinics in 2015-2017. Youth were randomized to the intervention or usual care groups. Intervention group adolescents watched a video and then completed an asthma question prompt list before their visits.

Results: Forty providers and 359 patients participated. Providers, adolescents, and caregivers discussed smoking during 38.2% of their visits. Vaping was never discussed.

Discussion: There is room to improve how often providers in a primary care setting discuss smoking and vaping. Further investigation might focus on how a smoking and vaping prompt list for adolescents could increase tobacco discussions during visits.

Keywords: Smoking; adolescents; asthma; communication; vaping.