Dripping Technology Use Among Young Adult E-Cigarette Users

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) use is rising among young adults.
• Dripping, a method of direct coil application of e-liquid, poses risks of harmful compounds.
• Prevalence of dripping among young adults remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of dripping among young adults (18-24).
• To identify demographic and behavioral predictors of dripping.
• To explore vaping expectancies associated with dripping.

Main Methods:

• Online survey of young adults (18-24) assessing vaping and dripping.
• Logistic regression models to predict dripping based on demographics and tobacco use.
• MANOVA to compare expectancies between never- and ever-drippers.

Main Results:

• Over 43% of young adult ever-vapers reported dripping.
• Dripping was associated with male gender, White ethnicity, and use of other tobacco products (hookah, cigars, cigarettes).
• Ever-drippers perceived vaping as more stimulating, socially facilitating, flavorful, and less risky, with greater perceived benefits for negative affect, weight, cravings, and boredom.

Conclusions:

• Dripping is a prevalent behavior in young adults, especially White males.
• Understanding the drivers and consequences of vaping and dripping is crucial for public health.
• Further research is needed to address the public health implications of ENDS dripping.