Work

Gender differences in the use of modern nicotine products among adolescents in northern Germany: a cross-sectional school-based study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To examine gender differences in the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and oral nicotine products among adolescents in Germany. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed survey data from 958 students aged 11–21 years at six secondary schools in northern Germany, collected February – May 2026 within the SchoolVapeScience project. Lifetime and regular use, and, among lifetime users, initiation, use patterns, consumption contexts, and motives were compared between male ( n = 446) and female ( n = 505) participants using chi-square tests, t -tests, and ordinal logistic regression. Results Female participants reported higher lifetime (28.1% vs. 21.5%) and regular (17.0% vs. 10.3%) e-cigarette use, whereas regular use of oral nicotine products was more common among males (5.2% vs. 1.6%). Cigarette use did not differ by gender. Male users initiated e-cigarette use earlier (13.2 vs. 14.2 years) and more often reported poly-use (38.2% vs. 22.2%). Among cigarette users, weight control was a more common motive among females (21.1% vs. 1.5%), whereas male users of oral nicotine products more often reported school-related consumption contexts. Conclusions Gender differences in adolescent nicotine use lie less in overall use than in product choice, use patterns, and motives. Prevention strategies should be gender-sensitive and address modern nicotine products.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103676