Sex Differences in Electronic Cigarette Device Use Among College Students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent and Young Adult Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Electronic cigarette use (vaping) has become epidemic among US teenagers and young adults.
• Limited research exists on the relationship between specific e-cigarette device types and user characteristics.
• Understanding these patterns is vital for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize e-cigarette device use in a college population.
• To investigate sex differences in preferred vaping device types.
• To identify user characteristics associated with specific device preferences.

Main Methods:

• A Qualtrics-based online survey was administered to college students (aged 18-24) in the Birmingham, AL metropolitan area.
• Data collected included e-cigarette device type, demographics, and usage patterns from October 2020 to January 2022.
• Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher's Test, and logistic regression to assess differences and associations.

Main Results:

• Out of 394 participants, 61 (15.5%) reported current exclusive e-cigarette use.
• Females predominantly used disposable e-cigarettes or pod-type devices (e.g., Juul).
• Males primarily preferred tank and mod style rechargeable e-cigarettes. Males also reported vaping more days per week than females (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Vaping remains a significant concern among young college students.
• The choice of primary vaping device is significantly associated with user sex.
• Sex differences in device preference should be a key consideration in future vaping research and prevention strategies.