Stephanie L Clendennen1, Shazia Rangwala1, Aslesha Sumbe1, Kathleen R Case2, Anna V Wilkinson1, Alexandra Loukas3, Melissa B Harrell1. 1. Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health in Austin, Austin, Texas, USA. 2. Center for Research to Advance Community Health (ReACH), UTHealth San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA. 3. Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contexts in which college students use e-cigarettes and marijuana, perceptions about the benefits and harms, and health effects of use. PARTICIPANTS: College student e-cigarette and marijuana ever users (n = 20; 18-21 years old) from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance System (TATAMS). METHODS: Participants completed a one-hour long online interview about their experiences using e-cigarettes and marijuana. Thematic content analysis in NVivo identified prominent themes. RESULTS: Vaping nicotine and marijuana were preferred and perceived as normal, trendy and useful in circumventing smoke-free campus policies. Preference for nicotine versus marijuana fluctuates during the academic school year in response to campus restrictions and work and school-related activities. College students commonly experienced health effects (shortness of breath, wheezing) attributed to vaping, did not perceive their use as very harmful, and perceived their use as a college-related phase. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have implications for college-based health education, resources, and smoke-free policies.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contexts in which college students use e-cigarettes and marijuana, perceptions about the benefits and harms, and health effects of use. PARTICIPANTS: College student e-cigarette and marijuana ever users (n = 20; 18-21 years old) from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance System (TATAMS). METHODS: Participants completed a one-hour long online interview about their experiences using e-cigarettes and marijuana. Thematic content analysis in NVivo identified prominent themes. RESULTS: Vaping nicotine and marijuana were preferred and perceived as normal, trendy and useful in circumventing smoke-free campus policies. Preference for nicotine versus marijuana fluctuates during the academic school year in response to campus restrictions and work and school-related activities. College students commonly experienced health effects (shortness of breath, wheezing) attributed to vaping, did not perceive their use as very harmful, and perceived their use as a college-related phase. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have implications for college-based health education, resources, and smoke-free policies.
Entities:
Keywords:
college students; e-cigarette; health effects; marijuana; perceptions
Authors: Sara B Oswalt; Alyssa M Lederer; Kimberly Chestnut-Steich; Carol Day; Ashlee Halbritter; Dugeidy Ortiz Journal: J Am Coll Health Date: 2018-10-25
Authors: Adriana Pérez; Elena Penedo; Meagan A Bluestein; Baojiang Chen; Cheryl L Perry; Melissa B Harrell Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-03 Impact factor: 3.390