Abstract

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol, which contains chemical additives. E-cigarettes are becoming common for nicotine delivery in addition to traditional cigarettes. The goal of this study was to determine how college students perceive e-cigarettes, how often college students use e-cigarettes, and how they view e-cigarettes compared to tobacco cigarettes. This was accomplished through sending a survey built on Qualtrics to UCF students via Knights Email. This survey included questions about demographics, perceptions, and usage of e-cigarettes. The collected data was downloaded into SPSS and analyzed to compare data among different groups. The demographics of the participants reflected the overall student demographics at UCF including age, ethnicity, and academic status, which allowed for the results to be related to the university population. A little over half of the students who participated in this study have tried e-cigarettes. Those who use e-cigarettes reported that the availability of variety of flavors was the most attractive reason for them. Most participants believe e-cigarettes to be equal in harm or less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. Gender, major, and work status differences were observed in survey responses related to use of e-cigarettes and perception of potential harm. The results of the study provide valuable information that can be used in health education programs about e-cigarettes. The results also support the need for future studies to assess the health impact of e-cigarettes on the physiological functions of lungs and other tissues and compare that to tobacco cigarette damage.

Thesis Completion

2021

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Saleh, Suha

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Health Sciences

Degree Program

Health Sciences, Pre-Clinical

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2021

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