Vaping among College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), created a global pandemic that has changed many aspects of life. Because of respiratory implications, it is interesting to investigate the impact of the pandemic and its effects on the usage of tobacco products including vaping. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of vaping among college students as well as their perceptions and knowledge of risks associated with tobacco use, primarily vaping. The investigators are interested in determining associations of vaping with demographics and use of alcohol and smoking, and “Intention to use” vaping products amid the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey of 353 students attending University of North Carolina in Wilmington was carried out. The study results showed about 43% and 67% reported ever using cigarettes and vaping products, respectively. Of the respondents, 25% reported current dual use (e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes). About 55% of respondents maintained they would probably or definitely not use e-cigarettes either pre- or post-COVID-19. There was, however, a slight decline (3.7%) in those reporting they would definitely use e-cigarettes post-COVID-19 vs. pre-COVID-19. The high prevalence of vaping (39.5%) during the pandemic among university students in our study warrants increased efforts to address this problem on a national level.