[Cigarette and e-cigarette use among a sample of French health students]

Vaping Behavior and Intention to Quit among Undergraduate Students in a Hispanic-Serving University

The surge in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) usage, particularly among young adults, poses significant public health concerns. This study aimed to identify predictors of e-cigarette use, quit attempts, and frequency among undergraduate students in a Hispanic-serving university in Texas. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 1 and October 26, 2023, recruiting undergraduate students through the Sona system, an online experiment management platform. Participants completed an online survey that covered demographics, educational status, vaping status, initiation age, reasons for first and current e-cigarette use, frequency of past usage, intentions to quit, and quit attempt frequency. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and multivariable linear regression. Among 316 participants, 33.9% reported current e-cigarette use. Junior and senior students, as well as prior tobacco users, were more likely to be current vapers. Prior vaping experience was more prevalent among Hispanic individuals and those with a history of tobacco use. Notably, 74.3% of current users attempted to quit in the past year, with a higher frequency of quit attempts among females, Hispanic students, and those with vaping acquaintances. However, the vaping behavior and quit attempt patterns were similar across other categories. This study highlights how various factors influence e-cigarette use among college students. It suggests that prevention and quitting programs should consider the specific needs of different groups. Future studies will continue to look at different student groups to find the most effective ways to help them quit vaping.

[Smoking, vaping among hospital staff during the Covid-19 pandemic: Appraisal of the "tobacco-free hospital, campus" campaign in Brest]

INTRODUCTION

In the framework of a "tobacco-free hospital and campus" campaign, we conducted a study on the prevalence of smoking and vaping among a university hospital (CHRU) staff. The study took place in late 2020 (from 1 September to 15 December), and involved self-assessment of the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on smoking.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire, which was distributed by email and QR code posting and included socio-professional details as well as data on participants' smoking and vaping.

RESULTS

There were 782 responses, representing a participation rate of 13.5%. The sample included 73.3% women and 22.7% men; 28.9% nurses, 24.9% medical staff, 3.6% nursing assistants and 42.6% other professional categories. The overall smoking rate was 13%. Sixty-two (7.9%) participants vaped; 37 (5%) vaped exclusively, 25 (3.2%) combined smoking and vaping. Men smoked more than women: 23.7% vs. 9.4% (P < 0.01). Medical staff smoked and vaped less than other categories; 6.2% vs 14.8% (P < 0.01) and 4.1% vs 9.1% respectively (P=0.02). Doctors were more often non-smokers: OR=2.71 (95% CI: 1.14-6.46). Among smokers, 25% said they had increased their cigarette consumption during the covid-19 pandemic, frequently as a means of combating stress or fatigue.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a lower smoking rate than in the literature, possibly due to the high participation of physicians. Ours were the initial estimates of vaping among hospital staff.

[Smoking prevalence among nursing students and nursing assistants in Mâcon: 2021 survey and evolution over 13 years]

INTRODUCTION

Smoking is a public health issue in France, especially among the young. Its specificities for caregivers and health students are part of a nationwide "Tobacco-free health place" strategy, underlining the importance of individual choices and the clinical roles of future health professionals.

METHOD

Prospective survey by online questionnaire, conducted in 2021 among 238 nursing students and nursing assistants in Mâcon, concerning their smoking habits, vaping and the impact of the Covid-19 health crisis, the objectives being to assess the prevalence of smoking in this population, and compare it to previous surveys and data from the literature. In addition, smoking-related behavior was observed.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven out of 238 students (66%), 95% of whom were women, responded to the questionnaire, with an average age of 25.1 years (SD: 7.7). Smoking prevalence was measured at 22%. This rate has fluctuated without declining in the surveys undertaken since 2008. Vaping was practiced by 8% of respondents, three-quarters of whom were also smokers. The health crisis appeared to have aggravated smoking habits among the future caregivers, two-fifths of whom considered it embarrassing for a caregiver to smoke, whatever their own smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking prevalence has not declined in this predominantly female student population, with results similar to those elsewhere in France, Young generations of caregivers will be challenged from the standpoints of personal health and professional skills in their treatment of smokers, which it would be desirable for them to ensure without undue cognitive dissonance.