Social Influence of E-cigarette Use among Asian Americans in California

Objectives: The use of e-cigarettes is on the rise in the United States (US). An understudied facet of e-cigarette use is the influence of social groups. The purpose of the present article is to examine the role of social groups in the use of e-cigarettes among Asian Americans. Methods: We conducted 12 semi-structured interviews of Asian Americans who use e-cigarettes living in California. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings showed that e-cigarette use is normalized and encouraged among peer groups and social gatherings, anecdotal success stories of their peers who were able to quit or reduce their use of combustible cigarettes using e-cigarettes were motivating, and vape shops provided a space for socialization and belonging. Conclusions: The findings illuminate that e-cigarette use is a mediator in Asian American social groups as an activity for collectivity and connection. Public health researchers and practitioners can address nicotine use or addiction among Asian Americans through group or peer targeted prevention and intervention strategies.