Use and Perception of Electronic Cigarettes Among College Students

Introduction:
This article, "Use and Perception of Electronic Cigarettes Among College Students" by Craig W. Trumbo and Raquel Harper, provides insights into how electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may affect the social normative environment for tobacco use among college students. The study aims to describe the degree to which college students are aware of and using e-cigarettes and to model how attitudes and social norms affect students' interest in trying e-cigarettes and their tolerance for others' use of e-cigarettes in public places.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted among 244 freshman and sophomore students who completed an online self-report survey in April 2011.
* The study found that there is a higher acceptance rate of e-cigarette smoking in public than traditional tobacco smoking.
* The strongest predictor for intention to use e-cigarettes is current tobacco use, followed by a positive orientation toward public use of e-cigarettes.
* Positive orientation toward public use of e-cigarettes is significantly predicted by the use of alternate tobacco, intention to use or try e-cigarettes, positive orientation toward public use of tobacco, positive attitude toward e-cigarettes, positive perception of social norms for use of e-cigarettes, and favorable orientation toward e-cigarettes as an innovation.
* The study used the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory to model how attitudes and social norms affect students' interest in trying e-cigarettes and their tolerance for others' use of e-cigarettes in public places.

Main Message:
The study suggests that attitudinal, social normative, innovation, and behavioral factors may combine to bring the e-cigarette into wider use among college students. The findings highlight the need for public health policy and regulatory action to address the emerging phenomenon of e-cigarettes and their potential impact on tobacco use and social norms. As an expert in regulatory matters, it is crucial to consider the implications of these findings for regulatory policies and strategies to prevent the normalization of e-cigarette use, especially among young people.

Trumbo, Craig W., and Raquel Harper. “Use and Perception of Electronic Cigarettes Among College Students.” Journal of American College Health 61, no. 3 (April 2013): 149–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2013.776052.