Patterns, Perception and Behavior of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Use and Multiple Product Use Among Young Adults

Introduction:
This text provides an overview of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and their impact on young adults, specifically college students. It covers the demographics of ENDS users, patterns of use, and the influencers of use. The text also explores the perception of harm associated with ENDS use and the potential for multiple product use.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted at a mid-sized private university in Florida and included a sample of 989 students.
* Approximately 51.4% of participants reported ever using an ENDS product, with males being more likely to be users.
* Polytobacco use was more common among participants who have tried ENDS (P<.001).
* Peers were the primary influencer for initial use of ENDS.
* Four latent classes were identified, including Abstainers (70%), Hookah users only (14%), ENDS users only (11%), and Poly tobacco users (4%).
* Users were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than traditional cigarettes and to perceive ENDS to pose fewer secondhand effects.
* The study emphasizes the importance of sharing the negative health effects of ENDS use and the potential for multiple product use among young adults.

Main Message:
The text highlights the need for increased education and awareness about the potential harms of ENDS use, particularly among young adults. The findings suggest that peer influence plays a significant role in the initiation of ENDS use, and that users are more likely to perceive these products as less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Additionally, the study underscores the potential for multiple product use among ENDS users, which could have further implications for health outcomes. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of regulatory measures to address the use of ENDS and other tobacco products among young adults.

Martinasek, Mary P, Amy Bowersock, and Christopher W Wheldon. “Patterns, Perception and Behavior of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Use and Multiple Product Use Among Young Adults.” Respiratory Care 63, no. 7 (July 2018): 913–19. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.06001.