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. 2021 Mar;31(4):703-712.
doi: 10.1177/1049732320971236. Epub 2020 Nov 19.

"Taking Up a New Problem": Context and Determinants of Pod-Mod Electronic Cigarette Use Among College Students

Christine M Kava  1 , Eric K Soule  2 , Laura Seegmiller  3 , Emily Gold  2 , William Snipes  2 , Taya Westfield  3 , Noah Wick  3 , Rima Afifi  3
Affiliations

"Taking Up a New Problem": Context and Determinants of Pod-Mod Electronic Cigarette Use Among College Students

Christine M Kava et al. Qual Health Res. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

In this article, we explore the context and determinants of pod-mod electronic cigarette (ECIG) use among college students aged 18 to 24 in the United States. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 55 students (M age = 20 years, 56% female, 65% White) on three campuses in the Northwest, Midwest, and Southeast. We performed a thematic analysis. Students described ECIG use by peers, increased ECIG exposure and prevalence in college, and school-related stress as reasons for vaping. Pod-mod features such as convenience, design, easy concealment, and flavors made vaping more appealing. Negative aspects of vaping included addiction, cost, and possible health consequences. Most viewed vaping as a college behavior and intended to quit after graduation. Our results show that the college environment plays a major role in young adult ECIG use. These findings can inform the development of targeted interventions to prevent and control uptake of ECIGs by young adults.

Keywords: United States; college students; electronic cigarettes; interviews; pod mods; qualitative; university; young adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

Dr. Eric Soule is named on a patent application for a smartphone app that determines electronic cigarette device and liquid characteristics. All other authors have no conflicts to report.

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