Perceptions Analysis of E-Cigarette Use in College Students

Abstract

Background:

The scientific literature supports that use of e-cigarettes does have associated safety and health concerns. E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury has resulted in a rise in hospital admissions and focused media attention on the nicotine delivery devices. Despite this increased attention, the use of e-cigarettes amongst college students has been increasing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify perceptions regarding the safety and usefulness of e-cigarettes among college-aged students from a large Midwestern University. In addition, comparison of perceptions between program of study and e-cigarette frequency of use was also examined.

Methods:

This IRB approved study was a convenience sample of 291 undergraduate students from The Ohio State University’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Fisher College of Business responded to the voluntary online survey sent to them via college email. The Risks and Benefits of E-cigarettes questionnaire was used to measure perception of e-cigarette usage. The results from the usage of e-cigarettes were measured using items from the Electronic Cigarette Smoking History Questionnaire. SPSS was used for analysis.

Results:

Out of the total population (n=291), participants had a lower mean risk score (40.33) and a higher mean benefit score (95.24). This shows that participants were more likely to agree with the risks associated with e-cigarettes and more likely to disagree with benefits. There was a significant difference in benefit score between the two college programs (P=.005), but not in risk score (P=.246). In post-hoc analysis, there were significant differences between those who have never tried, tried at least once, and daily users of e-cigarettes.

Conclusions:

This study was able to observe the perceptions of health risks and benefits regarding e-cigarette use from students at a large Midwestern University. The students’ educational program did not affect their perceived risks, but did affect their perceived benefits. It is apparent that higher perceived benefits have an influence on likelihood to try and use e-cigarettes regularly. Future research is needed to inform and develop educational programs for college students as e-cigarette use persists in this population.