College students’ reasons for using different e-cigarette products: A mixed methods analysis

Abstract

Objective

This study examined if college students used particular e-cigarette devices for different reasons. Participants: College students from a large southern university completed an online, close- and open-ended survey. Data were delimited to those 18–25 years of age who had used e-cigarettes (n = 338). Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed by quantifying qualitative responses via an inducting coding method. Next, χ² analyses examined relationships between use of different products (i.e., cigalikes, vape pens, eGos, mods) and reasons for using e-cigarettes. Results: Emerging themes representing reasons for trying e-cigarettes included: curiosity, peer pressure, recreation, flavors, better than cigarettes, and to quit/reduce tobacco use. Significant relationships existed between use of cigalikes, (p < . 01), eGos (p < . 05), and mods (p < . 05) and use of e-cigarettes to quitting/reducing tobacco use. Conclusions: Health promotion efforts on college campuses should address curiosity about these products and provide scientifically proven therapy to those seeking to quit tobacco.

Keywords:

• Behavioral influences
• college students
• e-cigarettes
• electronic cigarette
• reasons

Additional information

Funding

Support was provided in part by the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, a partnership of scientists from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas-Division of Agriculture, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The Arkansas Biosciences Institute is the major research component of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act of 2000. The authors would like to thank Blake Joseph Sandridge for his assistance.