College students’ reasons for using different e-cigarette products: a mixed methods analysis.

Introduction:
This article examines the use of different electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products among college students and the reasons they use them. The study used a convergent mixed methods design to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The results provide insights into the types of e-cigarette products college students use and the reasons behind their use.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed college students from a large southern university and received responses from 338 participants.
* The participants were asked about their use of different e-cigarette products, including cigalikes, vape pens, eGos, and mods.
* Six themes emerged from the qualitative data as reasons for using e-cigarettes: curiosity, peer pressure, recreation, flavors, better than cigarettes, and to quit/reduce tobacco use.
* Significant relationships were found between the use of cigalikes, eGos, and mods and using e-cigarettes to quit/reduce tobacco use.
* College students who used e-cigarettes to quit/reduce tobacco use were more likely to use cigalikes, eGos, and mods than vape pens.
* The popularity of vape pens among the sample may be representative of the time the data were collected and cannot be generalized to the current state of use among youth and young adults.
* Limitations of the study include convenience sampling, cross-sectional research design, and self-reported measures.

Main Message:
The study suggests that college students use e-cigarettes for various reasons, including curiosity, peer pressure, and as a cessation device. The results highlight the importance of understanding the reasons behind e-cigarette use to inform regulatory science and preventative public health practices. The study also emphasizes the need to differentiate prevention approaches based on the specific device, as some products may be more popular among certain groups or used for different purposes. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into e-cigarette use among college students, which can help inform public health policies and interventions.

Luzius a, Dobbs PD, Jozkowski KN. College students’ reasons for using different e-cigarette products: a mixed methods analysis. Journal of american college health : J of aCh. 2020;68(8):832-838. doi:10.1080/07448481.2019.1618313