Changes in Cigarette, E-Cigarette, and Cannabis Use among U.S. College Students Studying Abroad.

Introduction:
This text is a study on the changes in cigarette, e-cigarette, and cannabis use behavior among American college students studying abroad in foreign countries. The study found that cigarette smoking increased substantially while students studied abroad, with three times as many students reporting use while abroad compared to pre-departure. In contrast, the number of students reporting e-cigarettes and cannabis use did not significantly increase while students were abroad. The strongest predictors of frequency of use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or cannabis while abroad were male gender and a previous history of using those substances alone or concurrently.

Key Points:

* The study is the first to assess changes in non-alcohol substance use while American college students are studying abroad.
* Cigarette smoking increased substantially while students studied abroad, with three times as many students reporting use while abroad compared to pre-departure.
* The number of students reporting e-cigarettes and cannabis use did not significantly increase while students were abroad.
* The strongest predictors of frequency of use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or cannabis while abroad were male gender and a previous history of using those substances alone or concurrently.
* Substance use varied considerably by host location.
* Social aspects of spending time with locals and the cost of cigarettes may have played a role in students’ smoking.
* The decrease in e-cigarette use may be attributed to a smaller e-cigarette market outside of the U.S., particularly in Europe where heavy regulation has restricted the amount of nicotine, constituents and packaging of vaping products.
* Further research is needed to understand the role that both native and American peers may play in U.S. students substance use while abroad.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of addressing potential increases in substance use abroad, particularly for cigarette use given the health risks associated with even intermittent use and for cannabis use given the legal risks associated with use in a non-legalized country. The study suggests that evidence-based drug prevention programs are necessary to help curtail potential increases in substance use abroad.

Firth C, LaBrie JW, D’Amico EJ, Klein DJ, Griffin BA, Pedersen ER. Changes in Cigarette, E-Cigarette, and Cannabis Use among U.S. College Students Studying Abroad. Substance use & misuse. 2020;55(10):1683-1691. doi:10.1080/10826084.2020.1756853