Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of young adults in Liverpool regarding electronic cigarette use: A quantitative study.

Abstract

Background: In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in electronic- cigarettes/vaping among young adults, despite uncertainties about its long-term health effects, especially for non-smokers. This trend of vaping acceptance in society resembles the historical acceptance of cigarette smoking, which was widespread for decades despite known health risks. The prevalence of vaping can be attributed to a lack of awareness about its potential dangers, particularly among those not well-informed about its health outcomes. Vaping, initially promoted as a safer nicotine option with diverse flavours and convenience, has seen a sharp rise in the UK. In 2022, the vaping rate reached 8.6%, up from 4% in 2021 and 4.8% in 2020, even among young non-smokers. Disposable vaping devices have surged to 52.8% in 2022, compared to 7.8% in 2021 and 5.3% in 2020. This underscores the importance of studying young adults' attitudes and behaviours toward vaping in Liverpool to inform public health efforts. This highlights the need to study young adults' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards vaping in Liverpool to guide public health efforts.

Methods: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Liverpool John Moores University. The research employed a quantitative online survey design to explore young adults' vaping experiences in Liverpool. This approach, consisting of a descriptive online cross-sectional survey, involved 60 participants. A well-structured questionnaire with 18 questions, predominantly closed-ended and scaled for simplicity of analysis, was developed. Closed questions were preferred for their consistency in responses. The study aimed to reach young adults aged 18 and above in Liverpool, enrolling 100 participants through convenience sampling for its efficiency and accessibility. Data analysis was conducted in Microsoft Excel, with responses coded into numerical values for statistical analysis and visualisation. This approach allowed for efficient data analysis and presentation, including the creation of graphs to illustrate common responses, enhancing the study's reliability and validity.

Results: In this study of 60 Liverpool participants aged 18 to 30, the average age was 24.2 years. Most were full-time workers (53.7%), with others being part-time workers (10.4%), unemployed (10.4%), or students (25.4%). Smoking habits varied, with 28.3% non-smokers, 28.3% smokers, 21.7% occasional smokers, and 21.7% former smokers. Vaping patterns included 36.7% vaping for over two years, 26.7% for 6 months to one year, 25% for one to two years, and 11.6% for less than six months. Daily vaping was observed for 45% of males and 36.7% of females. Motivations for vaping, preferences for disposable vapes, device lifespans, and the influence of stressors on vaping frequency were examined. Weekly vaping expenditure varied by device type and gender. Participants' beliefs about vaping and addiction, perceptions of safety, and the association between vaping and depression symptoms were also explored.

Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the smoking and vaping habits of young adults in Liverpool. It reveals diverse smoking behaviours, equal proportions of non-smokers, smokers, occasional smokers, and former smokers. In vaping, significant experience variations exist, with some participants vaping for over two years. Gender-based differences in vaping frequency were observed. Motivations for vaping include enjoyment, flavour preference, harm reduction, stress relief, and curiosity, with variations by gender. Disposable vapes were the preferred choice. Stressors impact vaping habits differently among participants. Differing perceptions exist regarding addiction, well-being, and safety associated with vaping. Overall, the research offers a comprehensive view of factors influencing smoking and vaping behaviours among Liverpool's young adults.