Previous studies point to the transition state from adolescence to young adulthood being critical for co-occurring substance use. Problematic substance use has also been shown to emerge during this time. The current study at e-cigarette use in young adulthood by looking at co-occurring substance use including e-cigarette use.
The final sample for this study included 435 18-30 year old college students. 56.7% of the sample were female and 40.5% were Hispanic/Latino. Impulsivity measures included negative emotional states, acting without thinking, and regretting previous behavior. Deviant peer affiliation was measured to assess the degree of antisocial activity among peers. Depressive symptoms were measured by asking how they felt in the past week. Social anxiety symptoms were measured by asking participants to read 12 statements including statements such as “I am afraid people will find fault with me.” Substance use was assessed by asking about past 30-day binge drinking, cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and cannabis use. They also asked participants about frequency of use.
28% of participants reported past 3-day binge drinking and more than 5 days of use was most common for cannabis use at 13.8%. Participants were split into 4 classes including Binge Drinkers (6.8%), Cannabis Users (14.3%), e-cigarette Users (7.8%), and Low Substance Users (71%). Many e-cigarette Users also reported binge drinking and cannabis use. Deviant peer affiliation was found to predict greater chances of binge drinking and cannabis use. Those with higher levels of impulsivity-lack of premedication, deviant peer affiliation, and lower levels of social anxiety had increased chances of being in the e-cigarette class. Findings point to young adults using e-cigarettes or vaping have increased odds of co-occurring substance use. Interventions and preventions may benefit from targeting e-cigarette use in young adults to help decrease overall substance use.
Take Away: The current study looks to increase knowledge of e-cigarette use in young adulthood by looking at co-occurring substance use including e-cigarette use. The final sample for this study included 435 18-30 year old college students and measures included demographics, correlates of substance use, and substance use. Participants were split into 4 classes including Binge Drinkers (6.8%), Cannabis Users (14.3%), e-cigarette Users (7.8%), and Low Substance Users (71%). Those with higher levels of impulsivity-lack of premedication, deviant peer affiliation, and lower levels of social anxiety had increased chances of being in the e-cigarette class. Findings point to young adults using e-cigarettes have increased odds of co-occurring substance use. Interventions and preventions may benefit from targeting e-cigarette use to help decrease overall substance use.