Influence of Variables on Vaping Behaviors Among College Students

Researcher Information

Abstract

E-cigarette use among youth in the United States has increased in the past decade, with the majority of vaping advertisements targeting adolescents and young adults. There are a multitude of individual, interpersonal, and community-level risk factors that influence the uptake of vaping behaviors. This study investigated the influence of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and parental/guardian vaping and smoking history on vaping behaviors among undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Additionally, this study evaluated the extent to which vaping history influences the perceived effectiveness of anti-vaping advertisements. A survey was administered to current students to measure their vaping behaviors and to examine the students' evaluation of three anti-vaping advertisements. The anonymous survey was conducted on Redcap®, a data collection tool. Researchers recruited participants by posting QR code flyers around campus, through professors, and through direct campus recruitment. Qualitative analysis was conducted for the survey questions, and Pearson Chi-Square tests were performed to determine significance. A significant association was found between student vaping history and current guardian or parental smoking/vaping (Pearson Chi-Square= 0.038). Student vaping history and perceived efficacy of various anti-vaping advertisements did not have a significant association (Pearson Chi-Square = 0.275). However, student vaping history and perceived effectiveness of a fear-inducing advertisement were significantly associated (Pearson Chi-Square =0.024). The results of this study reveal that a fear-inducing anti-vaping advertisement was perceived to be the most efficacious advertisement among the entire sample. Additionally, over 50% of participants reported the COVID-19 pandemic as influencing their vaping habits.

Faculty Sponsors

Dr. Kristi Messer, Dr. Julio Llanga

Project Type

Event

Location

Alvin Sherman Library

Start Date

4-3-2024 12:30 PM

End Date

4-4-2024 1:30 PM

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Apr 3rd, 12:30 PM Apr 4th, 1:30 PM

Influence of Variables on Vaping Behaviors Among College Students

Alvin Sherman Library

E-cigarette use among youth in the United States has increased in the past decade, with the majority of vaping advertisements targeting adolescents and young adults. There are a multitude of individual, interpersonal, and community-level risk factors that influence the uptake of vaping behaviors. This study investigated the influence of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and parental/guardian vaping and smoking history on vaping behaviors among undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Additionally, this study evaluated the extent to which vaping history influences the perceived effectiveness of anti-vaping advertisements. A survey was administered to current students to measure their vaping behaviors and to examine the students' evaluation of three anti-vaping advertisements. The anonymous survey was conducted on Redcap®, a data collection tool. Researchers recruited participants by posting QR code flyers around campus, through professors, and through direct campus recruitment. Qualitative analysis was conducted for the survey questions, and Pearson Chi-Square tests were performed to determine significance. A significant association was found between student vaping history and current guardian or parental smoking/vaping (Pearson Chi-Square= 0.038). Student vaping history and perceived efficacy of various anti-vaping advertisements did not have a significant association (Pearson Chi-Square = 0.275). However, student vaping history and perceived effectiveness of a fear-inducing advertisement were significantly associated (Pearson Chi-Square =0.024). The results of this study reveal that a fear-inducing anti-vaping advertisement was perceived to be the most efficacious advertisement among the entire sample. Additionally, over 50% of participants reported the COVID-19 pandemic as influencing their vaping habits.