Vaping and Its Relationship to Other Risky Behaviors in College Students: A Secondary Analysis of the ACHA National College Health Assessment

Abstract

There is a high likelihood that the use of electronic cigarettes has a relationship with participation in risky behaviors in college students. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and six risky behaviors. This was a secondary analysis using the Spring 2019 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment. In addition to an extensive literature review multiple bivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS to identify the relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and each individual risk behavior. A total of 34 survey questions were analyzed where eight survey questions indicated a correlation when compared to electronic cigarette use. The analysis found that alcohol use and substance use are directly related to electronic cigarette use in college students. College students who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to use alcohol one or more times within a 30-day period as well as drink five or more drinks in one sitting. College students who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to use marjuana and/or cocaine one or more times within a 30-day period. From this analysis, recommendations can be made about future programs or health messages with the focus on the use of electronic cigarettes on college campuses. Future interventions should focus on the known relationship between electronic cigarette use and alcohol use and substance use. Due to the rising popularity and increased usage, the American College Health Association should include more survey measures related to electronic cigarette use among college students.