Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the use of Juul e-cigarettes among college students. The study includes a convenience sample of undergraduates at a large university in the southeast and uses a cross-sectional design with an online survey. The study aims to identify Juul use patterns, sociodemographic and personal factors associated with Juul use, and reasons for Juul initiation and current use among college students.
Key Points:
* The study found that over 80% of participants recognized Juul, 36% reported ever use, and 21% past 30-day use.
* Significant risk factors for current Juul use were: male, White/non-hispanic, lower undergraduate, and current cigarette smoker.
* Current Juul users chose ease of use and lack of a bad smell as reasons for use.
* Ever Juul users most commonly endorsed curiosity and use by friends as reasons for trying Juul.
* The study concludes that the rates of Juul use are alarming and warrant immediate intervention, given the propensity for nicotine addiction among youth and young adults.
Main Message:
This study highlights the growing trend of Juul use among college students and the need for immediate intervention to prevent nicotine addiction. The study identifies sociodemographic and personal factors associated with Juul use, providing valuable insights for developing targeted prevention strategies. The findings also emphasize the importance of accurately assessing Juul prevalence rates, integrating Juul-specific terminology into existing tobacco surveillance systems, and addressing the appeal of the product in health communication and prevention campaigns. Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for regulatory action to address the growing trend of Juul use among young adults.
Citation
Ickes M, hester JW, Wiggins aT, Rayens MK, hahn EJ, Kavuluru R. Prevalence and reasons for Juul use among college students. Journal of american college health : J of aCh. 2020;68(5):455-459. doi:10.1080/07448481.2019.1577867
