a validation study Albenda, Ednie Caitlen R. creator author. Arago, Dorotea Loise M. author. Bacalso, Jumel Rey C. author. Garcia, Jumel Rey C. author. Lanutan, Rodeth Carmel M. author. Marte, Rolf Krister C. author. Morano, Monique Deanne C. author. Remedio, Vicc C. author. Semblante, Joji Therese T. author. Ybañez, Anne Lorrene P. author. text theses ph Subangdaku, Mandue City, Philippines University of Cebu School of Medicine c2025 2025 monographic eng 136 pages : colored illustrations ; 28 cm. "Tobacco use stays one of the most pervasive public health challenges worldwide, claiming millions of lives annually and leaving countless others burdened with debilitating illnesses. Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns and regulations, the rise of e-cigarettes and vapes has ushered in a new era of nicotine addiction, particularly, among the youth, complicating efforts to curb this epidemic. Addressing teen tobacco use comes with intrinsic challenges. The rise of teen tobacco use is a multifaceted issue that involves legal, social, psychological, and marketing-related factors. Despite laws intended to reduce tobacco use, such as 2003 Tobacco Regulation Act and the Tobacco Tax Reform, along with the promotion of e-cigarettes as safer alternatives make it difficult to effectively address and reduce teen smoking rates. Moreover, the study may not fully capture all of the individual-level factors that contribute to the onset and continuation of smoking behaviors among teenagers, including socioeconomic status, family history of smoking, and mental health. In 2022, according to Global Action to End Smoking-an independent nonprofit organization focusing on ending the smoking epidemic, around 16.4 million people - 14.7 million men and 1.7 million women in the Philippines, aged 15 and older, were 15 and older were reported to be using tobacco products. This places the country at the 15th highest globally, and 4th highest in the WHO Western Pacific Region for the number of tobacco users. Additionally, in 2021, around 2.1% of people aged 15 and older-3.6% men and 0.5% women were current e-cigarette users. In the Philippines, it was estimated that tobacco was the highest risk factor in terms of morbidity and mortality in 2021. In fact, it was linked to an estimated 88,200 deaths, accounting for about 22.2% of all fatalities. These tobacco-related deaths of 73,000 (82.8%), were attributed to smoking, while 18,400 (20.9%) were caused by significant health risk associated with smoking, around a billion people continue to smoke, with 80% living in low and middle income nations (World Health Organization, 2022). Many individuals try to quit smoking but struggle to succeed due to nicotine, which is as addictive as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. As a result, quitting is often difficult because of withdrawal symptoms, stress, and potential weight gain." --Introduction Adult adult Ednie Caitlen R. Albena, Dorotea Loise M., Arago, Charles Andrei B. Bacalso, Jumel Rey C. Garcia, Rodeth Carmel M. Lanutan, Rolf Krister C. Marte, Monique Deanne C. Morano, Vicc C. Remedio, Joji Therese T.Semblante, Anne Lorrene P. Ybañez. Incudes bibliographical references. Montoya, Ma. Melfer Doctor of Medicine Medicine Montoya, Ma. Melfer Doctor of Medicine Medicine Text in English University of Cebu-Banilad 260218 20260225111825.0