Perception of Health Risks of Electronic Cigarette Use Among College Students: Examining the Roles of Sex, Field of Study, Vaping Device Type, and Their Associations

• DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01393-y
• Publication Date: 2024-08-23T17:44:08Z
• Authors: M. J. Ruzmyn Vilc...; Samuel Stowe; Kristina Marie Zi...
• Keywords: Electronic cigarette; harm reduction

Abstract Electronic cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative to regular (combustible) cigarettes, based on the claim that there is no tobacco burning and fewer toxic chemicals in their vapor. However, recent evidence challenges notion e-cigarette aerosols benign. Heating of compounds e-liquids high temperatures can lead release aerosols. users public may not be aware these unique harms, impacting perception harm from using e-cigarettes. This research explored perceptions e-cigarettes compared among 418 college students, aged 18–34, by employing Qualtrics smartphone survey. The findings revealed vaping prevalence 16.7% our study population, indicating use young adults at concerning levels. Perceptions varied significantly status, sex, field study. Non-e-cigarette female students were less likely perceive harmful than cigarettes. Among (vapers), male vapers pod-type devices, such JUUL disposables, more inclined view harmful. vapers, non-health-related fields underscoring impact educational background health risk awareness. In conclusion, this provides crucial insights into adults. results emphasize need for targeted interventions efforts address growing concern.