Examining Risk Perceptions Related to E-cigarette and Vaping Use in College Students

Abstract

Vaping and e-cigarette use have become a public health issue in the United States that is affecting an increasing number of young people. E-cigarettes/vapes contain a number of pneumotoxic substances that can have detrimental effects on health, and the high nicotine content amongst popular brands can further addiction. The purpose of this study was to examine the patterns of vaping and e-cigarette use amongst college students as well as student’s perceptions of risk regarding e-cigarettes/vapes. A sample of 55 (n=55) college students enrolled in Academic Planning Seminar (APS) classes were recruited and asked to complete an online survey. There was no significance between gender and use, and the sample was not large enough to determine significance based on other demographics, such as race, income level, and living situation. The results of this study found 50.91% of participants reported ever using ecigarettes/ vapes, while 49.09% denied using e-cigarettes/vapes. Furthermore, 94.55% of students had not received counseling or advice from a health professional concerning e-cigarettes or vaping. These statistics outline a deficit in patient education in a population that has a significant percentage of e-cigarettes/vaping users. This population may greatly benefit from residential programs addressing the dangers of use and education about e-cigarettes/vapes from a health care setting.