Misconceptions of Vaping Among Young Adults

Abstract

Background Vaping is growing in popularity worldwide, especially among young adults. To develop effective tobacco prevention interventions, first, there must be an understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of young adults toward the use of vaping. Highlighting perception discrepancies between races may allow physicians to more effectively counsel their patients regarding the risks of vaping. Methodology We conducted an online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk, https://www.mturk.com /) to identify misconceptions about vaping among 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. Exclusion criteria comprised respondents who did not vape and were under the age of 18 or over the age of 24. Results A total of 1,009 responses were received with 66% identifying as male ( n = 667) and 33% ( n = 332) identifying as female. Sixty-nine percent of patients smoked cigarettes or used another form of tobacco previously ( n = 692). Of those respondents, 81% indicated that they had since quit using tobacco products (excluding vaping). Switching to vaping was the most common reason for quitting cigarettes or other forms of tobacco, with health concerns and social purposes being the second and third most common reasons provided, respectively. When asked whether vaping had negative health impacts, only 238 (24%) participants strongly agreed with this statement, while a majority (64%) neither agreed nor disagreed or only somewhat agreed. Most participants were white or Caucasian ( n = 777). When asked whether smoking or vaping had more severe health implications, 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. Conclusions Our survey sample of 1,006 young adults who vape indicated that the majority did not perceive vaping as significantly harmful. 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. Such interventions should also consider the novel shift toward the replacement of smoking with vaping.

Tabacco harm reduction: the need for a paradigm shift in German tobacco control policy

“…In Bezug auf Jugendliche gilt es, E-Zigaretten möglichst unattraktiv zu gestalten und diese Gruppe im Besonderen auf die Risiken eines Konsums hinzuweisen. Studien deuten darauf hin, dass mögliche negative Auswirkungen von E-Zigaretten gerade in dieser Gruppe nicht bekannt zu sein scheinen [41] und vor allem über soziale Medien für E-Zigaretten geworben wird, wodurch eine Regulierung zusätzlich erschwert ist [42]. Insgesamt braucht es Programme und Maßnahmen, die es erlauben, individuelle Strategien im Umgang mit dem Tabakkonsum zu finden.…”

Normalization of Vaping on TikTok: A Mixed-Methods Approach Using Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Qualitative Thematic Analysis (Preprint)

“…The ease of accessing e-cigarettes, boosted by online sales, and in the absence of strict regulations, further increases their use. Lastly, the perception of vaping as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, driven by harm reduction messages, lowers barriers to experimentation and regular use [18]. All these factors collectively create an environment where vaping is increasingly normalized, especially among younger people.…”

E-cigarette use among university students in Palestine: Prevalence, knowledge, and determinant factors

“…Several factors contribute to this rapid rise in e-cigarette use among young adults. There is a widespread misconception that e-cigarette use is less harmful than traditional smoking [ 12 , 13 ]. E-cigarette use is marketed as an effective alternative practice to reduce the conventional cigarette consumption [ 9 , 14 ].…”