Abstract
Prior studies indicate a link between poor academic performance and e-cigarette use in high school students (18 years and below). However, the effect of post high school education on e-cigarette use is poorly summarized in literature.
The objective of the current study was to determine if there was a difference in prevalence of past 30-day e-cigarette use in a national sample of young adults due to different educational levels. Four groups of young adults were studied based on their level of education: High School Dropouts, High School Graduates/GED, Current College Students, and College Graduates. Data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study was used to assess the association between educational attainment and e-cigarette use in young adults (ages 18-24). Relative e-cigarette use was measured via a survey, along with other control variables, across the four groups. Common factors affecting use across each educational attainment group were also analyzed.
It was found that e-cigarette use tended to decrease as educational attainment increased among young adults. That is, higher levels of education seemed to be a protective factor against e-cigarette use when controlled for other factors.
This study expands past research on this topic to include young adults as they transition from adolescents to adults. Prior studies established a link between academic performance at the same educational level (high school). This study indicates a difference in e-cigarette use between different educational levels. This study also differentiates between e-cigarette use among High School Dropouts and High School Graduates/GED.
Thesis Completion
2021
Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair/Advisor
Ford, Jason
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Sociology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Release Date
5-1-2021
Recommended Citation
Cheekati, Akhila, "The Prevalence of e-Cigarette Use According to Educational Attainment Among Young Adults in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study" (2021). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 983.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/983
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