An Analysis of Associations Between Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Users

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Control
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Prevalence of electronic nicotine-delivery systems (ENDS) use is rising among young adults.
• ENDS are marketed for smoking cessation but are used by non-smokers.
• Study investigates ENDS use patterns related to smoking cessation, harm perception, and motivations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore associations between smoking quit type and perceptions of health, harm, and reasons for ENDS use.
• To assess young adults' understanding of secondhand vapor harm.
• To identify primary motivations for initiating ENDS use.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing a 33-item electronic survey.
• Sample of 2,792 university students across the US, Germany, and South Africa.
• 1,217 participants were identified as ENDS users.

Main Results:

• Young adults using ENDS exhibit limited knowledge of secondhand vapor effects, irrespective of quit status.
• Peer influence and stress relief are primary drivers for ENDS initiation.
• Perceptions of harm associated with ENDS may influence quit attempts.

Conclusions:

• Respiratory therapists and students should educate patients and communities on vaping devices.
• Targeted educational interventions are needed to address ENDS use and harm perception among young adults.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term health implications of ENDS use in non-smoking young adults.