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

• Published in: Qualitative health research Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 703 - 712
• Main Authors: Kava, Christine M., Soule, Eric K., Seegmiller, Laura, Gold, Emily, Snipes, William, Westfield, Taya, Wick, Noah, Afifi, Rima
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.03.2021; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Addictions; Adult; College students; Electronic cigarettes; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Female; Humans; Male; Qualitative research; Schools; Students; United States; Universities; Uptake; Vaping; Young Adult; Young adults; United States; qualitative; United States; university; college students; young adults; electronic cigarettes; pod mods; interviews
• ISSN: 1049-7323; 1552-7557
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732320971236

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.