Misconceptions of Vaping Among Young Adults.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining misconceptions about vaping among young adults. It discusses the perception discrepancies between races and the potential implications for tobacco prevention interventions. The study conducted an online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk to gather data from adults aged 18 to 24 years who currently vape. The survey consisted of 18 questions evaluating reasons for vaping, history of tobacco use, and thoughts on the adverse effects of vaping. The Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index was implemented to assess dependence.

Key Points:

* The study found that 69% of patients smoked cigarettes or used another form of tobacco previously, but 81% of them had since quit using tobacco products (excluding vaping).
* Switching to vaping was the most common reason for quitting cigarettes or other forms of tobacco.
* When asked whether vaping had negative health impacts, only 24% of participants strongly agreed, while a majority (64%) neither agreed nor disagreed or only somewhat agreed.
* Most participants were white or Caucasian (777), and 55% of white or Caucasian participants, 41% of Asian participants, and 32% of black or African American participants indicated that vaping was worse than smoking cigarettes.
* The average Penn State dependence score was 8.7, suggesting medium dependence.
* The study suggests that a comprehensive smoking prevention policy, educational interventions, and quit support are needed to enhance awareness among young adults about the health effects associated with vaping.
* The interventions should also consider the novel shift toward the replacement of smoking with vaping.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for effective tobacco prevention interventions targeted towards young adults. The perception discrepancies between races, particularly in the perception of the risks of vaping, suggest that physicians may need to counsel their patients differently depending on their race. Moreover, there is a need for comprehensive smoking prevention policies, educational interventions, and quit support to enhance awareness among young adults about the health effects associated with vaping. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the shift towards the replacement of smoking with vaping in developing these interventions.

Golan R, Muthigi A, Ghomeshi A, et al. Misconceptions of Vaping Among Young Adults. Cureus. 2023;15(4):1. doi:10.7759/cureus.38202