Summary
Introduction:
This article examines the use and perception of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among college students with and without asthma in the southern United States. The study aims to identify demographic differences and the relationship between asthma, perceived health status, and ENDS use.
Key Points:
* The study had a response rate of 5% and a sample size of 2,298 students, with 19.4% indicating a diagnosis of asthma.
* 61.4% of the students had lifetime use of ENDS, and 44.2% had used ENDS in the past 30 days.
* 44% of the participants perceived ENDS as less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and 38.8% perceived them as equally harmful.
* There were no significant differences in ENDS use and traditional cigarette smoking between students with and without asthma.
* Among respondents who had ever tried ENDS, 55.4% were female, and 88.2% were white.
* Asthma was a significant predictor in reporting lower perceived health status than students without asthma.
* Perceived health status was a significant predictor of reporting fewer ever use of ENDS.
Main Message:
The study highlights the widespread use of ENDS among college students, with a significant number of students perceiving ENDS as less harmful than traditional cigarettes. The lack of significant differences in ENDS use between students with and without asthma is particularly concerning, as ENDS use can aggravate and contribute to asthma-related symptoms. The study emphasizes the need for increased public health measures to raise awareness about the potential harm of ENDS and prevent further increases in their use.
Citation
Gibson-Young L, Martinasek M, Tamulevicius N, Fortner M, Alanazi AM. Examining electronic nicotine delivery system use and perception of use among college students with and without asthma across the South. Journal of American college health : J of ACH. 2022;70(7):2026-2032. doi:10.1080/07448481.2020.1842414
