Use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, as a recreational activity has become more prevalent among young adults and continues to be a growing concern for leaders in higher education and public health. Though young people may think e-cigarettes are relatively harmless, nicotine contained in many e-cigarettes is highly addictive, which along with other chemicals, places young people at risk of harm to brain development, vaping-related lung illness, worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety, and future cigarette smoking. There is little to guide colleges on what works to dissuade young adults from using electronic cigarettes/vaping or aid them in cessation. Vapes on Campus II continues last year’s work on campus anti-tobacco policies by establishing a baseline of vaping on campus and learning about what might motivate students to stop vaping or never start.

We are conducting an assessment of the prevalence of tobacco use and vaping among Florida college and university students. The survey is accompanied by virtual focus groups for students to tell us in their own words what they see as the value of “not vaping,” alternatives to tobacco use, or ways that cessation programs can better meet their needs. We need to also learn about the relationship between anti-tobacco partnerships and the colleges and universities in their county.

Since the incidence of vaping and alternative nicotine products use among Florida college students is unknown, this year we will begin conducting a baseline assessment. Our sampling frame is based on the known incidence of vaping in the Annual Florida Tobacco Survey for adults 18-25 and the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey for each county. We will interview students in virtual focus groups to learn more about how not using any tobacco related products can be positioned as their best choice. We also hope to learn how tobacco cessation efforts can be better tailored to their needs. We are also speaking to leaders in county tobacco-free partnership to learn of their efforts and how BTFF resources can be channeled to help Florida college students live a tobacco vape free life.

For more information email us at socialmarketing-coph@usf.edu.