Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the associations between awareness, perceived risks, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) young adults in California. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of ENDS use patterns and risk perceptions among this growing and diverse population.
Key Points:
* The study used an online survey to collect data from AAPI young adults in California between 2014 and 2015.
* The sample was 57% women, 15% LGBTQIA, with a mean age of 21, and represented various AAPI ethnic groups, including Filipino (29%), Chinese (24%), Vietnamese (14%), and others.
* Nearly half the sample (44%) reported ever ENDS use, and 11% were current users.
* Current ENDS use was associated with being Filipino or Vietnamese, male, LGBTQIA-identified, having vocational training or being employed, and having low perceived risks of ENDS.
* The most common sources of ENDS awareness were friends/peers, online, and television.
* Low perceived risks of ENDS were associated with a greater likelihood of ever and current ENDS use.
* Popular flavors among ENDS users were fruit (49%) and candy/sweets (26%).
Main Message:
The study highlights the visibility and accessibility of ENDS among AAPI young adults in California, with a notable preference for fruit and candy/sweet flavors. The findings suggest that AAPI young adults perceive ENDS as less harmful compared to conventional cigarettes, which may contribute to their trial and current use. The study underscores the importance of tailored public health interventions and regulatory measures to address ENDS use among this diverse population.
Citation
Maglalang, Dale Dagar, Cati Brown-Johnson, and Judith J. Prochaska. “Associations with E-Cigarette Use among Asian American and Pacific Islander Young Adults in California.” Preventive Medicine Reports 4 (December 2016): 29–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.05.011.
