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MANUSCRIPT 

Vaping and Respiratory Health: A Literature 

Review Focused on Hispanic Adolescents in 

the Rio Grande Valley 
 

Marisol Acosta1, Edely Sanchez1,2, Desirae Urbina1,3, Diego Sierra1,2, Sofia P. Prukop1,2, Carlos Garza1,2, 

John Luna1,3, Renata Cantu-Cepeda1,3 

 

1   DHR Health High School and Community Outreach  
2  South Texas ISD Medical Professions 
3 South Texas ISD Health Professions 
 

Received: July 3, 2024  

Accepted for publication: January 24, 2025 

Introduction 

The rising prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents is a significant public health concern, 

particularly within specific demographic groups and geographic locations. This literature review 

focuses on the impact of vaping on respiratory health among Hispanic adolescents residing in the 

Rio Grande Valley (RGV), a region characterized by unique sociocultural factors and health 

disparities. The RGV, situated on the Texas-Mexico border, presents a complex context where 

cultural influences, socioeconomic factors, and access to healthcare intersect to shape adolescent 

health behaviors. This review synthesizes existing research on vaping's effects on respiratory 

health in adolescents, with a specific focus on the Hispanic population in the RGV, highlighting 

the need for culturally sensitive interventions and future research. 

Prevalence of E-cigarette Use Among Hispanic Adolescents in the RGV 

While precise data on e-cigarette prevalence specifically within the RGV's Hispanic adolescent 

population is limited, national and state-level studies provide a crucial foundation for 

understanding the scope of the problem. National surveys consistently reveal high rates of e-

cigarette use among adolescents, and these trends likely mirror, or even exceed, those observed 

in specific high-risk communities like the RGV.1,3 The RGV's unique border location and 

cultural dynamics may contribute to increased accessibility and normalization of vaping among 

youth.4 Further research is needed to obtain accurate, RGV-specific data on e-cigarette 

prevalence among Hispanic adolescents, considering factors such as access to tobacco products, 

cultural norms, and marketing strategies targeting this demographic. The lack of localized data 

represents a significant gap in the current literature.5 



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Respiratory Effects of Vaping in Adolescents: General Findings  

Numerous studies demonstrate a clear association between e-cigarette use and various 

respiratory problems in adolescents.1,6-13 These effects range from increased respiratory 

symptoms like wheezing and coughing to more severe conditions like EVALI (e-cigarette or 

vaping product use-associated lung injury).11,14-20 Studies have shown that e-cigarette aerosols 

contain various harmful chemicals, including flavorings, that can directly damage the respiratory 

system.7-8, 21-24 The long-term effects remain largely unknown, necessitating further longitudinal 

research to fully understand the cumulative impact of vaping on adolescent respiratory 

health.8,13,22 

Asthma and Vaping 

The impact of vaping on adolescents with asthma is a particularly pressing concern.6-7 Existing 

evidence suggests that e-cigarette use can exacerbate asthma symptoms, potentially leading to 

increased frequency and severity of asthma attacks.6,7 The inflammatory and irritant effects of e-

cigarette aerosols can worsen airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic 

individuals.25 However, more research is needed to establish a definitive causal link and quantify 

the extent of this risk within the Hispanic adolescent population in the RGV.6 The existing 

research often lacks the specificity needed to address the unique health challenges faced by this 

population. 

Secondhand Exposure 

The effects of secondhand exposure to e-cigarette aerosol are also concerning.7,16 Studies have 

shown that exposure to secondhand vape can lead to respiratory symptoms in non-users.16 This is 

especially relevant in the RGV, where multigenerational households are common, potentially 

exposing younger children to secondhand vaping aerosols.26 This area needs further 

investigation, particularly within the specific context of the RGV's social and family structures. 

Data on secondhand exposure and its impact on respiratory health within Hispanic families in the 

RGV are scarce.26 

Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Vaping in the RGV 

The RGV's unique cultural context plays a crucial role in shaping adolescent health behaviors, 

including vaping. The region's high Hispanic population, strong family ties, and bicultural 

influences, all contribute to the complex social environment in which adolescents make decisions 

about vaping.26-30 Acculturation stress, family cohesion, and social support networks within the 

family and community may influence vaping initiation and persistence.27-28 Further research is 

needed to explore the interplay of these cultural factors and their influence on vaping among 

Hispanic adolescents in the RGV. Qualitative studies exploring the perspectives of Hispanic 

adolescents and their families could provide valuable insights into this complex relationship.4 



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Marketing and Accessibility 

The marketing and accessibility of e-cigarettes in the RGV also warrant investigation. The 

proximity to the Mexican border may affect the availability and affordability of vaping 

products.4 Marketing strategies targeting specific cultural groups or exploiting existing social 

norms could influence vaping uptake among Hispanic adolescents.4 Research on marketing 

strategies and their effectiveness within the RGV's Hispanic community is crucial for developing 

targeted prevention efforts. 

Socioeconomic Factors 

Socioeconomic factors may also play a significant role in vaping prevalence and its health 

consequences among Hispanic adolescents in the RGV. Poverty, limited access to healthcare, 

and lower health literacy could exacerbate the negative impacts of vaping on respiratory health.4 

Studies need to investigate how socioeconomic disparities influence vaping patterns and the 

severity of respiratory complications within this specific population.  

Research Gaps and Future Directions 

Several significant research gaps remain in understanding the impact of vaping on respiratory 

health among Hispanic adolescents in the RGV. There is a critical need for: 

RGV-Specific Data: More research is needed to gather precise data on e-cigarette prevalence, 

patterns of use, and respiratory health outcomes within the RGV's Hispanic adolescent 

population. 

Longitudinal Studies: Longitudinal studies are necessary to track the long-term respiratory 

effects of vaping in this population, considering the relatively recent introduction of e-cigarettes. 

Culturally Sensitive Research: Qualitative studies employing culturally sensitive methodologies 

are needed to understand the sociocultural factors influencing vaping initiation, cessation, and 

health outcomes within the RGV's Hispanic community. 

Intervention Studies: Research on the effectiveness of culturally tailored interventions to prevent 

vaping initiation and promote cessation among Hispanic adolescents in the RGV is crucial. 

Secondhand Exposure Research: Further investigation is needed to assess the impact of 

secondhand e-cigarette aerosol exposure on the respiratory health of Hispanic children and 

families in the RGV. 

Combined Substance Use: Research needs to address the complex interplay between vaping and 

other substance use (e.g., alcohol, marijuana) among Hispanic adolescents in the RGV, given the 

potential for synergistic effects on respiratory health. 

  



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Conclusion 

The growing prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents, coupled with the RGV's unique 

sociocultural context and health disparities, necessitates urgent research to understand and 

address this critical public health issue. This review highlights the existing evidence on the 

detrimental effects of vaping on respiratory health, emphasizing the need for RGV-specific 

studies that incorporate cultural nuances, socioeconomic factors, and the complex interplay of 

various influences on adolescent health behaviors. Future research should focus on generating 

localized data, employing longitudinal and qualitative methods, and developing and evaluating 

culturally appropriate interventions to mitigate the significant respiratory health risks associated 

with vaping among Hispanic adolescents in the Rio Grande Valley. Addressing this challenge 

requires a multi-faceted approach involving public health initiatives, educational programs, and 

policy changes tailored to the specific needs of this vulnerable population. 

Acknowledgements:  

Nori Zapata, MSN, RN, Senior Vice President of Education and Career Development, Vanessa 

Vera, MS, Senior Manager of High School and Community Outreach, Anisa Mirza, Intern 

Program Coordinator.  

Funding: 

Funded  by  DHR  Health High School and Community Outreach;    DHR    Health; South Texas 

Independent School District.  

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