Primitivo Kalaw Senior High School

COMMON REASONS OF SELECTED TEENAGERS IN POBLACION,

BALETE, BATANGAS USE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES

A Research Paper

Presented to the Faculty of

PRIMITIVO KALAW SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Subject

Practical Research 1

Edilberto Jr. O. Capinpin

John Anderson T. Ramirez
Kier Jensen P. Solis
Ken Aedryl C. Verdadero

March 2026
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CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a battery-powered device that heats

a liquid to create an aerosol (often called vapor) that people inhale. This liquid

usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. The device works

without burning tobacco like regular cigarettes do, but instead vaporizes the

liquid that the user breathes in. E-cigarettes are also called vapes, vape pens, or

electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Electronic cigarettes are battery-

operated devices that heat a liquid to create an inhaled aerosol, often containing

nicotine and flavorings (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025).

Teenagers around the world are increasingly using electronic cigarettes,

making it a global public health concern. According to the World Health

Organization (WHO), the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents has

risen sharply in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and

parts of Europe and Asia. Studies show that social media exposure, peer

influence, and the availability of flavored vaping products contribute to this trend

across different cultures. Public health authorities warn that, despite being

marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking, e-cigarettes still pose

serious health risks, including nicotine addiction and respiratory problems,

particularly for the developing bodies of teenagers. The Reuters article

summarizes WHO’s estimate that at least 15 million teenagers (13–15 years)

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worldwide use electronic cigarettes, highlighting why this is a global public health

concern (World Health Organization, 2025).

Globally, the increasing use of electronic cigarettes among teenagers has

raised concerns about adolescent health, and this trend is reflected nationally in

the Philippines. Reports from health agencies show that many Filipino

adolescents are experimenting with vaping at a young age due to curiosity, peer

influence, and the widespread availability of e-cigarette products. Despite laws

and regulations aimed at controlling access, the growing number of stores and

online vendors makes it easier for minors to obtain these products. This situation

poses serious health risks, including nicotine addiction and potential long-term

complications. Addressing this issue is crucial to protect the youth, raise public

awareness, and strengthen programs and policies that aim to reduce electronic

cigarette use among Filipino teenagers.

In the Philippines, the increasing use of electronic cigarettes among

teenagers has become a growing concern. Many adolescents are exposed to

vaping at a young age due to peer influence, curiosity, and the easy accessibility

of e-cigarette products in their communities. Reports from health offices and

news outlets show that the rising number of stores and vendors selling electronic

cigarettes has made it easier for minors to obtain them, despite existing

regulations. This trend poses significant health risks, including early nicotine

addiction and potential long-term health complications. Addressing this issue is

Primitivo Kalaw Senior High School

essential to protect the youth, raise public awareness, and strengthen programs

and policies aimed at reducing electronic cigarette use among Filipino teenagers.

This study is motivated by the researchers’ observation that a growing

number of teenagers in Poblacion, Balete, Batangas are already using electronic

cigarettes at a very young age. This behavior appears to be strongly influenced

by peer pressure, curiosity, and the increasing visibility and accessibility of vape

products within the community. The continuous rise in the number of local

vendors selling electronic cigarettes makes these products easier for minors to

obtain, despite existing regulations. From the researcher’s perspective, this

situation is alarming as early exposure to nicotine may lead to long-term

addiction, health complications, and the normalization of smoking-related

behaviors among the youth. Therefore, it is essential to conduct this study to

identify the common reasons behind teenagers’ use of electronic cigarettes, as

understanding these factors can serve as a basis for developing effective

community-based interventions, strengthening local policy enforcement, and

promoting awareness among parents, schools, and local authorities.

Statement of the Problem

Statement of the Problem This study aims to find out why some Filipino

teenagers use electronic cigarettes. Specifically, it seeks to answer these

questions:

1. Why do teenagers in Poblacion, Balete, Batangas use electronic cigarettes?

2. How do teenagers access or obtain electronic cigarettes in their community?
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3. What influences teenagers to start using electronic cigarettes?

4. How do teenagers feel about using electronic cigarettes?
5. What are the effects of using electronic cigarettes on the daily life of
teenagers?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it provides important information about

the reasons why teenagers in Poblacion, Balete, Batangas use electronic

cigarettes. Understanding these reasons will help the community address the

growing problem of youth vaping and develop strategies to prevent it. Moreover,

the study aims to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated

with electronic cigarette use, which can affect not only the teenagers themselves

but also their families and the broader community.

Teenagers. This study will help teenagers understand the common reasons why

they use electronic cigarettes and the health risks associated with vaping. By

knowing these factors, they can make safer and healthier choices.

Barangay Official. Barangay officials can use the findings to create community

programs, implement ordinances, and promote awareness campaigns that

discourage electronic cigarette use among minors.

Parents. Parents can learn what influences their children to use e-cigarettes,

such as peer pressure or social media. They will know how to guide and monitor

their children better. This can help prevent teens from engaging in vaping.
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MSWDO. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) can

use the study to identify teenagers at risk of using electronic cigarettes. They can

provide proper guidance, counseling, and intervention programs to help teens

avoid harmful habits and make better decisions.

Future Researchers. This study can serve as a reference for future research

about teenage vaping. It can help explore related topics or new trends. Future

studies can use these findings to propose strategies to reduce e-cigarette use

among youth.
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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents a review of related literature about the common

reasons why selected teenagers in Poblacion, Balete, Batangas use electronic

cigarettes. Studies show that teenagers use electronic cigarettes for a variety of

reasons, including curiosity, peer influence, and the appeal of flavored products.

Research also highlights that easy access to e-cigarettes, through local shops or

online stores, and exposure to social media advertising encourage teens to try

and continue using them. These findings help explain why teenagers in

Poblacion, Balete, Batangas may use e-cigarettes, how they obtain them, what

influences them to start, how they feel about vaping, and the possible effects on

their daily life, which aligns directly with the focus of this study.

Related Literature

Curiosity and Peer Pressure. Many adolescents reported trying

electronic cigarettes mainly because of curiosity. Teens are naturally drawn to

new experiences, and vaping provides a novel activity that seems exciting. This

curiosity encourages experimentation, even among those who have never

considered smoking before. Trying different flavors and devices satisfies their

sense of novelty and adventure. Repeated experimentation can lead to continued

Primitivo Kalaw Senior High School

use over time. Understanding curiosity as a motivation helps parents and

educators design preventive strategies (Miller et al., 2020).

According to Soneji et al. (2017), peer influence was identified as a key

factor in adolescent vaping. Teens are more likely to try e-cigarettes when their

friends or classmates are already using them. Social acceptance within a peer

group can outweigh potential health concerns. Peer pressure normalizes vaping

and encourages continued participation. Continued exposure to friends who vape

strengthens the behavior and makes quitting more difficult.

Hammond et al. (2019) reported that flavored e-cigarettes attract

adolescents due to taste and design. Candy, fruit, and dessert flavors create a

pleasant sensory experience, while colorful and sleek device designs make

vaping appear trendy. Teens often see vaping as harmless or socially attractive

because of these factors. Experimentation increases as adolescents try multiple

flavors and share devices with friends. The appeal of flavors combined with

social reinforcement strengthens habitual vaping behavior.

Some adolescents believed e-cigarettes were safer than traditional

cigarettes, according to Leventhal et al. (2019). This perception reduces fear and

encourages initial experimentation. Many teens underestimate the nicotine and

chemical content, increasing the risk of addiction. Curiosity, peer influence, and

perceived safety explain why many adolescents engage in vaping. Educational

programs highlighting the risks of e-cigarettes are essential to counter these

misconceptions.
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Accessibility and Availability. Adolescents frequently obtained e-cigarettes

from local stores with weak age verification. Despite laws restricting sales to minors,

some vendors sell products without proper checks. Easy access increases

experimentation among teens. Limited enforcement allows repeated purchases,

normalizing vaping as a low-risk activity. This accessibility highlights the need for stricter

monitoring of stores selling e-cigarettes (Jackler & Ramamurthi, 2019).

Many teens acquired e-cigarettes through friends or older family members.

Social connections make devices accessible without financial cost or direct purchase.

Adolescents who receive e-cigarettes in this way are more likely to try them repeatedly.

Sharing devices also normalizes vaping within peer groups. Informal access is a

significant factor contributing to the prevalence of teen vaping (Goniewicz et al., 2014).

According to Hammond et al. (2019), online platforms and social media

shops provide easy access to e-cigarettes for adolescents. Teens can order

products online with minimal age verification, often bypassing legal restrictions.

Online ads promote vaping as fun and trendy, increasing curiosity and

willingness to experiment. Accessibility through digital platforms encourages

repeated use and exploration of different flavors and devices. Social media

exposure further normalizes vaping behavior among teens.

Some adolescents obtained e-cigarettes in schools or public spaces with

limited supervision, as reported by Leventhal et al. (2019). Seeing peers vape in

these settings normalizes the behavior and encourages experimentation. Weak

monitoring allows teens to continue using e-cigarettes without detection. Peer-to-

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peer sharing reinforces habits and social acceptance. The combination of

visibility and accessibility in these environments contributes to persistent

adolescent vaping behavior.

Social and Advertising Influence. Social acceptance strongly influenced

teen vaping, according to Soneji et al. (2017). Adolescents often start using e-

cigarettes to feel included in peer groups where vaping is common. The desire

for approval can outweigh awareness of health risks. Teens who feel isolated

may adopt vaping to gain acceptance. Peer-driven norms reinforce the behavior,

making it a socially reinforced habit.

Advertising and social media exposure motivated adolescents to experiment with

e-cigarettes. Colorful ads, influencer promotions, and product reviews make vaping

appear attractive. Teens exposed to these messages often see vaping as trendy and

socially desirable. Online exposure amplifies curiosity and peer influence. Educating

adolescents about manipulative marketing may reduce experimentation (Jackler &

Ramamurthi, 2019).

Miller et al. (2020) observed that stress and curiosity often motivate teens

to try vaping. Adolescents may use e-cigarettes to cope with stress, boredom, or

anxiety. At the same time, curiosity about flavors, devices, and peer behavior

encourages experimentation. The combination of stress relief and novelty often

leads to habitual use. Social support programs can help mitigate reliance on e-

cigarettes as coping mechanisms.

Teens’ perceived low health risks encouraged vaping initiation, according

to Leventhal et al. (2019). Many adolescents mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes

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are harmless or safer than traditional cigarettes. This perception reduces

apprehension and increases experimentation. Misunderstanding nicotine content

and chemical exposure contributes to continued use. Educational campaigns are

essential to correct misconceptions and inform teens of potential risks.

Feelings and Emotions. Some adolescents feel confident or “cool” when

vaping. Using e-cigarettes enhances social status and provides a sense of belonging

among peers. Positive feelings reinforce continued use, even in the presence of health

awareness. Teens often prioritize social image over potential risks. Emotional rewards

help sustain habitual vaping behavior (Hammond et al., 2019).

Peer pressure can make teens feel obligated to vape, according to Soneji

et al. (2017). Adolescents may join in to avoid exclusion or ridicule. Social

dynamics strongly influence initiation and persistence of vaping behavior.

Awareness of peer influence is critical for designing preventive strategies.

Enjoyment and satisfaction from vaping, especially flavors and vapor

clouds, encourage repeated use (Miller et al., 2020). The sensory experience

provides positive reinforcement. Curiosity satisfaction combined with peer

influence strengthens habitual behavior. Adolescents may continue despite

knowing health risks. Emotional appeal plays a central role in sustaining vaping

among teens.

Some adolescents feel guilt or concern about vaping due to health

awareness. Despite internal conflict, curiosity and social pressures often lead to

continued use (Leventhal et al., 2019). Mixed emotions highlight the complex
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interaction between psychological and social factors. Interventions should

address emotional, social, and informational aspects to reduce vaping

prevalence.

Daily Life Effects. E-cigarette use negatively affects academic

performance and concentration, according to Hammond et al. (2019). Nicotine

exposure can reduce attention span and impair memory, making school tasks

more challenging. Over time, lower grades and disengagement may occur.

School-based prevention programs are essential to mitigate these effects.

Vaping may cause health issues, including coughing, throat irritation, or mild

respiratory problems. Symptoms interfere with daily activities and physical participation.

Some teens continue to vape despite these effects, often due to peer influence or habit.

Awareness campaigns can help reduce experimentation and long-term harm (Goniewicz

et al., 2014).

Nicotine addiction from e-cigarettes disrupts daily routines, according to

Leventhal et al. (2019). Teens may experience cravings or withdrawal, which

affects schoolwork, sports, or social activities. Early exposure increases the

likelihood of long-term dependence. Preventive measures and education are

critical for reducing addiction risks.

Vaping influences social behavior and friendships. Adolescents may

adjust behavior to maintain peer approval, and e-cigarette use can become part

of their social identity. Continued use is reinforced through social interactions,

making cessation difficult. Recognizing these social consequences is essential

for designing interventions targeting teen vaping (Soneji et al., 2017).

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Related Studies

Curiosity and Peer Pressure. In the study of Miller et al. (2020), many

adolescents reported trying electronic cigarettes mainly because of curiosity.

Teens are naturally drawn to new experiences, and vaping provides a novel

activity that seems exciting. Experimenting with different flavors and devices

satisfies this curiosity. Repeated experimentation can lead to regular use over

time. Awareness of curiosity as a factor can help parents and schools create

preventive strategies. In the study of Soneji et al. (2017), peer influence

strongly affects teen vaping behavior. Teens are more likely to start using e-

cigarettes when their friends or classmates are already vaping. Social

acceptance often outweighs potential health risks. Peer pressure normalizes e-

cigarette use and encourages repeated participation. Exposure to vaping peers

makes quitting more difficult. In the study of Hammond et al. (2019), flavored

e-cigarettes appeal to adolescents due to taste and design. Candy, fruit, and

dessert flavors create a positive sensory experience. Sleek and colorful devices

make vaping seem trendy. Teens often perceive it as harmless and socially

attractive. The combination of flavor and design strengthens habitual use among

adolescents.

Some teens believe e-cigarettes are safer than cigarettes. This perception

reduces fear and encourages first-time experimentation. Many adolescents

underestimate the nicotine content, increasing the risk of addiction. Curiosity,

Primitivo Kalaw Senior High School

peer influence, and perceived safety all contribute to initiation (Leventhal et al.,

2019). Preventive programs educating about risks are essential.

Accessibility and Availability. In the study of Jackler and Ramamurthi

(2019), adolescents often get e-cigarettes from local stores with weak age

verification. Some vendors sell products without proper checks, despite laws.

Easy access increases experimentation. Limited enforcement normalizes vaping

as low-risk behavior. Monitoring sales is essential to prevent teen access.

In the study of Goniewicz et al. (2014), teens also acquire e-cigarettes

through friends or older family members. Social networks make products

accessible without cost. Receiving e-cigarettes from peers or relatives

encourages experimentation. Device sharing normalizes vaping in teen groups.

Informal access contributes to widespread teen use.

Online stores and social media platforms provide easy access to e-

cigarettes, Hammond et al. (2019) noted. Teens can order products with minimal

verification. Ads make vaping appear fun and trendy, increasing curiosity. Online

access encourages trying multiple flavors and devices. Social media exposure

further normalizes vaping.

Some adolescents obtain e-cigarettes in schools or public spaces with

weak supervision. Seeing peers vape normalizes the activity. Weak monitoring

allows continued use undetected. Peer sharing reinforces habits and social

acceptance (Leventhal et al., 2019). Accessibility in these environments

contributes to persistent use.

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Social and Advertising Influence. In the study of Soneji et al. (2017),

social acceptance motivates teens to start vaping. Adolescents use e-cigarettes

to feel included in peer groups. Approval often outweighs awareness of health

risks. Teens who feel isolated adopt vaping to gain belonging. Peer influence

strongly reinforces vaping as a habit.

In the study of Jackler and Ramamurthi (2019), advertising and social

media exposure attract adolescents to e-cigarettes. Influencer promotions,

product reviews, and colorful ads make vaping appealing. Teens exposed to

these messages view vaping as trendy. Online content amplifies curiosity and

peer influence. Education about manipulative marketing may reduce use.

Teens often try vaping to cope with stress or boredom. Curiosity about

flavors and devices also encourages experimentation. Stress relief and novelty

lead to repeated use. Social support programs can help reduce reliance on e-

cigarettes (Miller et al., 2020). Emotional and social factors together drive teen

vaping.

In the study of Leventhal et al. (2019), perceived low health risks

encourage adolescent vaping. Many teens mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes

are safe or less harmful than cigarettes. Reduced concern increases

experimentation. Misunderstanding nicotine and chemical exposure contributes

to continued use. Awareness campaigns are essential to correct misconceptions.

Feelings and Emotions. In the study of Hammond et al. (2019),

adolescents often feel confident or cool while vaping. Using e-cigarettes

Primitivo Kalaw Senior High School

increases social status and belonging among peers. Positive emotions reinforce

continued use. Teens prioritize social image over health risks. Emotional rewards

help maintain habitual

Peer pressure can make teens feel obligated to vape, Soneji et al. (2017)

observed. Adolescents may join in to avoid exclusion. Social dynamics strongly

influence initiation and continued use. Awareness of peer influence is vital for

prevention programs.

In the study of Miller et al. (2020), teens enjoy vaping due to flavors and

vapor clouds. The sensory experience provides reinforcement for repeated use.

Curiosity satisfaction combined with social influence strengthens habitual

behavior. Some continue despite awareness of health risks. Emotional appeal

plays a central role in teen vaping.

Some adolescents feel guilt or concern about vaping. Despite internal

conflict, curiosity and social pressure encourage continued use. Mixed emotions

highlight complex psychological and social influences. Interventions should

address emotional and social factors (Leventhal et al., 2019).

Daily Life Effects. In the study of Hammond et al. (2019), e-cigarette use

can negatively affect academic performance and concentration. Nicotine reduces

attention span and impairs memory, making schoolwork challenging. Grades

may drop, and engagement decreases. School-based prevention programs help

mitigate these effects.

Primitivo Kalaw Senior High School

Vaping may cause health issues such as coughing or mild respiratory

problems. Symptoms affect daily activities and physical participation. Teens

sometimes continue vaping despite these effects due to habit or peer pressure

(Goniewicz et al., 2014). Awareness campaigns can help reduce

experimentation.

In the study of Leventhal et al. (2019), nicotine addiction disrupts teens’

daily routines. Cravings and withdrawal affect schoolwork, sports, and social

activities. Early exposure increases the likelihood of long-term dependence.

Education and preventive measures are critical.

In the study of Soneji et al. (2017), vaping influences social behavior and

friendships. Adolescents may adjust behavior to maintain peer approval. E-

cigarette use becomes part of social identity. Continued use is reinforced through

social interactions, making cessation difficult. Recognizing social consequences

is important for interventions.

Conceptual Framework

This conceptual framework shows the common reasons why selected

teenagers in Poblacion, Balete, Batangas use electronic cigarettes. The input

Peer Pressure
Curiosity
includes the teenagers and influencing factors like peer pressure, curiosity, social
Accessibility
Social
media, and stress. The process involves surveys or interviews, data analysis,
Media/Ads
Perceived Risks
and grouping the reasons into categories. The output identifies the main reasons

for e-cigarette use and provides insights and recommendations for awareness

programs, parents, and schools.

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Theoretical Framework

This study is based on Ajzen’s Theory of Common

Planned Behavior
Reasons (1991), which
Theory of
Planned Why Selected
explains that behavior is influenced by attitudes, social norms, and perceived
Behavior (Ajzen, Teenagers in
1991)
control. Teenagers’ attitudes affect how they Poblacion, Balete, use, whether
view e-cigarette
Batangas Use
positive or negative. Social norms include peer pressure,
Electronic family, and social
Cigarettes

media influences. Perceived behavioral control refers to their belief in their ability

to use or avoid e-cigarettes, helping to explain why they engage in this behavior.

Decision to Try Health Effects

Frequency of Academic
Use Social Effects
Interactions Behavioral
Emotional Effects
Response Emotional
Effects
Definition of Terms
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This section defines the key terms used in the study to help readers

understand its focus and scope. It explains who the teenagers are, what

electronic cigarettes mean, and the main concepts from the theoretical

framework, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control,

and behavior. These definitions provide clarity and ensure that the study’s

findings and discussion are easy to understand.

Teenagers. Defined as individuals between the ages of 13 and 19 (Merriam-

Webster Dictionary). In this study, it refers to selected adolescents in Poblacion, Balete,

Batangas, whose reasons for using electronic cigarettes are being investigated.

Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigarettes). Defined as battery-operated

devices that deliver nicotine and other chemicals through vapor instead of smoke

(Cambridge Dictionary). In this study, it refers to the vaping devices used by the

selected teenagers in the community.

Attitudes. Defined as a settled way of thinking or feeling about something

(Oxford English Dictionary). In this study, it refers to how teenagers perceive e-

cigarette use, whether they see it as enjoyable, trendy, or harmful.

Subjective Norms. Defined as social pressures or expectations that

influence an individual’s behavior (adapted from Ajzen, 1991). In this study, it

refers to the influence of peers, family, and social media on teenagers’ decisions

to use e-cigarettes.
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Perceived Behavioral Control. Defined as an individual’s perception of

the ease or difficulty of performing a behavior (Ajzen, 1991). In this study, it

refers to teenagers’ belief in their ability to use or avoid electronic cigarettes.

Behavior. Defined as the way in which one acts in response to a situation

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In this study, it refers to the actual decision of

teenagers to use or not use e-cigarettes.