College students’ perceptions of vaping and vaping policy

Objective: In this study, we examined college students’ opinions and behaviors related to vaping. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional Qualtrics survey of undergraduate students in spring and fall of 2019. Links were distributed via email and course links. Categorical responses to policy questions were compared by semester of survey administration using chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression modeling. Results: Overall, 81.6% of students believed vaping was a public health concern, and 51.7% believed more restrictive laws were needed; although 34% indicated they needed more information. Semester was significantly associated with all policy opinions, with higher affirmative responses in the fall versus spring. Women and students aged 22-25 (vs 18-21) had higher odds of believing more restrictive vaping laws are needed. Conclusion: There is a paucity of information regarding student perceptions of vaping regulations and laws. More communication and education related to vaping policies are both needed to increase knowledge and perceptions of vaping and to prevent youth and young adult vaping related morbidity and mortality rate increases. Collaboration between researchers and academic administrative officials can help to ensure the development and enforcement of evidencebased policy that better identifies policy deficits and improves future outcomes.