Factors Associated with Vaping Frequency Among University Students
Abstract
Electronic cigarette use among university students is a growing public health concern, with approximately 20-25% reporting current use. Despite extensive research on vaping initiation, factors associated with vaping frequency among established users remain understudied. This study examined stress-coping mechanisms, peer influence, and health risk perceptions as predictors of vaping frequency, guided by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). A quantitative cross-sectional survey was administered via Microsoft Forms to 399 university students aged 21-25 with recent vaping experience, recruited nationally through campus flyers and online platforms. Multiple linear regression was conducted in SAS OnDemand for Academics, with stress-coping, peer influence, and health risk perceptions as primary predictors, and demographic characteristics, vaping history, and nicotine content knowledge as covariates. The regression model was statistically significant, F(9, 389) = 16.10, p < .001, explaining 27.1% of the variance in vaping frequency (R² = .271). Stress-coping (B = 0.222, β = 0.205, p < .001) and peer influence (B = 0.028, β = 0.245, p < .001) were significant positive predictors. Health risk perceptions were not significant (p = .477), despite 91.4% of participants recognizing vaping as addictive. Vaping history was the strongest overall predictor (β = 0.287), and year of study was a significant negative predictor (p = .043). Peer influence did not moderate the…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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