An examination of electronic nicotine delivery system use among college students using social cognitive theory.

Introduction:
This article examines electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use among college students using social cognitive theory as a framework. The study surveyed students from a mid-sized, northeastern university and found that 41% of respondents reported using ENDS in the past month, 26.8% reported trying ENDS but no use in the past month, and 32.3% reported never trying ENDS. The study also found significant associations between past-month versus occasional use and reasons for initiation, location for ENDS use, perceived norms for ENDS use, and outcome expectations for ENDS use.

Key Points:

* The study used a cross-sectional survey design to examine ENDS use among college students.
* 41% of respondents reported past-month ENDS use, 26.8% reported occasional ENDS use, and 32.3% reported never trying ENDS.
* Significant associations were found between past-month versus occasional use and reasons for initiation, location for ENDS use, perceived norms for ENDS use, and outcome expectations for ENDS use.
* The study found that a greater proportion of past-month users than occasional users reported trying ENDS because of positive outcome expectations, such as the taste and the health benefits of ENDS.
* The study found that a greater proportion of past-month users than occasional users reported using ENDS in various locations, both on and off campus.
* The study found that past-month ENDS users had less favorable scores for health risks associated with ENDS use compared to occasional ENDS users.
* The study found that never users had a higher injunctive norm score compared to occasional users and past-month users.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for theory-based, multi-level strategies to reduce ENDS use among college students. Interventions should increase awareness about the risks of ENDS, include peer-based interventions to foster health-promoting campus social environments, and explore the use of policies restricting campus ENDS use. The study also emphasizes the importance of understanding the social cognitive factors that influence ENDS use among college students in order to develop effective interventions.

Greer AE, Morgan K, Samuolis J, Diaz G, Merighi J, Mahoney P. An examination of electronic nicotine delivery system use among college students using social cognitive theory. Journal of American college health : J of ACH. 2022;70(6):1839-1847. doi:10.1080/07448481.2020.1835922