Vaping Behavior in Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) continue to be popular among young adults. These devices are often advertised as a healthy alternative to quitting tobacco cigarettes. However, young adults represent a population who view it as a novel behavior that provides a sense of popularity, social acceptance, and desired physiologic properties. The objective of this study was to examine characteristics of vaping behavior among college students and explore possible associations between groups of vaping behavior (stopped, initiated, increased, decreased, stayed the same).

In a multi-center cross-sectional study, 656 students from University of Tampa in the United States and University of Applied Sciences in Germany (IST) were recruited to answer a 31-item online questionnaire. A chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between the groups.

Prevalence rates indicated approximately 31% of all students were currently using ENDS. Even though more negative than positive experiences with ENDS were reported, most students stated their vaping increased during COVID-19 lockdowns. Addiction and stress relief emerged to be predictors (P < .001) of an increase in vaping, whereas social motives were not statistically significant. Living situation (P = .63) and depression (P = .10) were not significantly associated with vaping behavior.

ENDS products continue to yield very high levels of nicotine creating addiction in young adults. Addiction counseling and evidenced-based practices should be employed at every level (individual, community, and school). Additionally, mental health counseling for students in pandemic and high-stress environments may help to combat stress in a more proactive manner than self-medicating.