Vaping in Context: Links Among E-cigarette Use, Social Status, and Peer Influence for College Students

Abstract

In this study, we examined how the number of friends and leadership among peers related to e-cigarette use and beliefs about the social consequences of use among college students. Data were collected via web survey from 175 university students in 2016. Regression techniques were used to analyze responses. Neither number of friends nor role in a peer group was associated with e-cigarette use. Having more friends who used e-cigarettes was positively associated with being offered an e-cigarette, likelihood of accepting a future offer, and e-cigarette use. Perceived social impact was positively related to frequency of use and likelihood of accepting an offered e-cigarette. Those using e-cigarettes more frequently and those with friends using e-cigarettes perceived e-cigarette use as having a positive social effect.