Description

Background: Electronic (e-) cigarettes are non-combustible devices that are gaining significant popularity among young adults. A recent study has shown a significant increase in electronic cigarette use among college students. The overall purpose of our study was to further understand people’s perception towards vaping, as well as the current impact vaping has on the health of users. Methods: Our research study examines the real time effects of electronic cigarette inhalation, along with the exposure among college students. For this qualitative study, virtual health interviews were conducted which included a series of open-ended questions about personal awareness and viewpoints around e-cigarettes. The questionnaire was broken up into three sections, evaluating perception, exposure, and future needs surrounding e-cigarettes. Furthermore, the inclusion criteria for this study included: students must be between 18 and 30 years of age, fluent in English, have no major health issues, and be enrolled in classes full-time. For recruitment, displayed and passed out flyers around campuses, posted on social media, emailed various organizations and faculty, used Research Match, and contacted local smoke shops. Results: College students were motivated to vape due to curiosity and being exposed through the people around them. Results show that the participants believed that e-cigarettes are highly addictive, even more addictive and harmful than normal cigarettes. Furthermore, the participants agreed that e-cigarettes negatively affect users' health and will continue to do so. Non-vapers reported to be in better self-reported health than vapers. Overall, the participants agreed that there is a serious problem that has become extremely normalized. However, the addictiveness of these products has made it very difficult to quit. Conclusion: In this study, we interviewed two vapers and two non-vapers. All four participants spoke on how addictive electronic cigarettes are, either from experience or speculation, and how detrimental they can be for one’s health. In the future, we can expand our recruitment efforts by going to various classes and presenting the study, as well as passing out flyers at surrounding colleges and universities. This would be helpful with improving the reliability of the results and increasing the sample size.