An Observational Study of Vaping Knowledge and Perceptions in a Sample of U.S. Adults

Abstract

Background Vaping is the use of e-cigarettes that contain inhalants such as nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol. Vaping is associated with e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) and is a recognized public health crisis. Despite rising numbers of hospitalizations due to EVALI, public knowledge and perceptions of the dangers of vaping require further investigation. Objectives This exploratory study assessed knowledge and perceptions of vaping in U.S. adults. Methods This study was approved by an ethical board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A cohort of U.S. adults was recruited by shared links on social media. Participants completed an anonymous online survey that contained vaping knowledge and perceptions items. An a priori power analysis was conducted at 95% power and alpha = 0.05. Statistics were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A sample of 413 (N = 413) U.S. adults participated in the survey. The majority of participants (79.18%) were females, and 65.62% were between 18 and 24 years of age. Over half (62.71%) of participants were never asked about vaping use by a clinician at any visit, and 56.51% agreed that vaping can reduce stress. Of all participants, 70.91% agreed that drinking alcohol makes someone more inclined to vape. Significant positive Spearman’s rho correlations were found between vaping and the use of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, and inhalants (p < 0.05). Conclusions We found a significant correlation between vaping and drug use. We also found that if the dangers of vaping are discussed by their health care providers, participants are more inclined to quit vaping. Unfortunately, many physicians report that they avoid discussing vaping with their patients due to lack of vaping knowledge. Our results illuminate the communication gap between patients and physicians. All clinicians need to counsel patients on the dangers of vaping, which might help prevent EVALI and related conditions.

“Don’t Know” Responses for Nicotine Vaping Product Features among Adult Vapers: Findings from the 2018 and 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys

“…Generally, daily vapers reported less DK of NVP features compared to nondaily users, with the least DK observed among exclusive daily vapers. These findings are in contrast with other data suggesting that those who vape more frequently are more likely to lack knowledge of the contents of NVPs [34]. However, between-study differences may be a result of survey items and the depth of knowledge solicited.…”

“…However, between-study differences may be a result of survey items and the depth of knowledge solicited. For instance, the ITC 4CV study asks about nicotine concentration with provided response options, while other surveys may include questions that require more depth of knowledge (e.g., "I can list all the ingredients in a vape pod") [34], or focus on perceptions rather than objective NVP features. Survey makers should consider the granularity of detail needed when designing questions, as question wording and specificity of response options may influence DK responses.…”

Effects of Vape Use on Oral Health: A Review of the Literature

“…Banning non-therapeutic nicotine vaping products presents an ethical dilemma, as it may deny addicted smokers access to a potentially less harmful alternative for quitting smoking [ 40 ]. It is imperative to gain a better understanding of vaping outcomes and adolescents’ perceptions while identifying potential ways to lessen or eradicate the health burdens associated with vaping [ 41 ]. The ethical dilemma surrounding restricting access to vaping products is complex, and common-sense reasons for prioritizing the young do not necessarily apply to vaping restrictions and harm reduction [ 42 ].…”