1. The experiences of college students regarding new nicotine-tobacco product usage on a
Northeastern university campus: A qualitative study
Diana Sireci, Lila Olman, Cassie Anzalone, Brittany Bungert, Nicole Sala, Taylor Winby, Ashley Guerra
Mentors: Joyce Rhodes-Keefe, RN-C, MS, Lori Sprague, MS, RN, Rosemary Collier, MS, RN, Geraldine R. Britton, RN, PhD
Background
Incidence of new nicotine-tobacco products (such as electronic
cigarettes, vapor products, and hookah) is increasing among the college-
aged population. Students are less likely to smoke cigarettes, are more
likely to smoke hookah, and are unaware of new products’ potentially
harmful effects. Research has found that motivating factors for these
products include social activity, peer influence, and relaxation.
However, current data and knowledge on college campuses is limited.
Our previous quantitative analyses of distributed student surveys found
that participants have limited knowledge of the ingredients in these
products. The majority of these students proclaimed using these
products for social purposes. This qualitative study adds to the body of
knowledge regarding nicotine-tobacco product usage and awareness in
this population.
Questions
Results: Themes
I. Social Purposes
• E-cigarettes used individually; hookah used socially.
• Hookah & e-cigarettes are new or “trendy” (ex. “smoke tricks”).
• E-cigarette/hookah users are not considered “smokers.”
II. Misinformation/Knowledge Gap
• Unlike cigarettes, vapor product information is not easily accessible.
• Hookah has less secondhand smoke than regular cigarettes.
• Vapor products are safer alternatives to cigarettes.
III. Individualization
• Smoking vapor products is an individual choice and does not affect
non-smokers.
• Similar to alcohol, use may or may not be deterred by knowledge of
negative effects or legality.
• Younger generation uses vapor products for social purposes; older
generation uses vapor products for smoking cessation purposes.
Recommendations/Conclusions
From this analysis, there is an obvious knowledge deficit of hookah and
e-cigarettes. Thus, we propose an educational intervention with the use
of interactive online module programs. The material would be research-
based, presented in an interactive format to help students relate to the
material in their college settings and social environments.
Purpose
❖ The purpose of this study is to conduct three focus groups to
explore the health beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and
knowledge of university students regarding nicotine-tobacco
products.
Objectives:
❖ To determine usage and knowledge of cigarettes, e-cigarettes,
and hookah within the campus community.
❖ To assess attitudes and perceptions of the media’s portrayal of
nicotine-tobacco products.
Acknowledgments
Supported by the Binghamton University Academic and Faculty
Development Fund.
Statement of Disclosure: The author reports no actual or potential
conflicts of interest.
References
Rockcellar Magazine Store (2016). Retrieved from
http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=503
Sharma, E., Clark, P. I., & Sharp, K. E. (2014). Understanding psychosocial aspects of waterpipe smoking among college students.
American Journal of Health Behavior, 38(3), 440-447. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.38.3.13
Sutfin, E. L., McCoy, T. P., Morrell, H. E. R., Hoeppner, B. B., & Wolfson, M. (2013, Aug 1). Electronic cigarette use by college students.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 131(3), 214-221. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.00
Methodology
Design:
❖ A qualitative study conducted via 3 focus groups on a medium-
sized university campus.
❖ Multiple questions were asked to facilitate discussion.
❖ Two recorders were utilized. Field notes were taken by two
researchers.
❖ One focus group was transcribed by student researchers. Two
focus groups were outsourced for transcription.
❖ 25 total participants.
❖ Incentive to participate was provision of pizza and water.
Procedure:
❖ Recordings of focus groups were listened to and analyzed for key
themes individually and collectively.
❖ Common themes were identified among all focus groups.
“...my dad. He used to smoke, and
then just converted to an e-cig...and
it’s been helping. He’s not smoking
an actual cigarette...to my
knowledge, e-cigarettes are just
much more better than actual
cigarettes
“I feel like hookah seems more for
recreation and cigarettes seem
more out of a habit and a need to
do it.” 5. Do you think that e-cigarettes and hookah have any effect on
health? If so, do you think they are similar to cigarette health
effects?
“I think with e-cigarettes and hookah
there’s this misconception that they’re
less harmful because there [is] not the
classic lighting of a typical
cigarette…”
4. What does “being a smoker” mean to you?
“...as long as it doesn’t affect me
personally I don’t really mind other
people doing it or...have too much of a
say... its them and if they want to do it
that’s fine...it doesn’t hurt me...I don’t
think it really matters too much”
3. Do you feel there are differences between smoking hookah and
cigarettes? What are the differences? How about e-cigarettes?
2. Describe in what situations, you use or would use e-cigarettes
or hookah? What about the situations makes smoking
appealing?
1. What kind of messages/information are you receiving about
hookah and e-cigarettes? From what sources?