A Brief Intervention on E-Cigarette, Regular Cigarette, and Marijuana Use Results in Generalization Effects: Lateral Attitude Change among College Students

Abstract

Objective We hypothesized (1) perceived harm beliefs and intention to use e-cigarette attitudes will become more negative post-exposure to the intervention (2) this change will generalize to more negative beliefs and intention toward regular cigarettes and marijuana. Methods MANOVAs of students’ perceptions of harm beliefs and intention toward the use of e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes, and marijuana were performed to ascertain change in harm beliefs before (t1) to after the intervention (t2) for 188 nonwhite Hispanic and White college students who viewed educational material (informational text + video), the intervention, during an online experimental survey. Results The first MANOVA yielded main effect with significant differences for substances, Wilks’ Lambda (Λ) = 0.254, F = 234.920 (2, 160), p < 0.001, ηp 2 =0.746 and by time (Λ = 0.740, F = 56.684 (1, 161), p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.260). E-cigarettes, regular cigarettes, and marijuana were perceived more harmful for one’s health and for the health of others at t2. The MANOVA on peer influence and intention to use (Λ = 0.277, F = 222.890 (2, 171), p < 0.001), ηp 2 = 0.723) and by time (Λ = 0.922, F = 14.514 (1, 172), p < 0.001), ηp 2 = 0.078) was significant. Respondents were less likely to use any of the substances if their best friend offered at t2. Intent for future use was also reduced at t2. Conclusion A brief intervention potentiated favorable change in harm beliefs and intention to focal object (e-cigarettes) and lateral objects (regular cigarettes and marijuana).