Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Publication Date

2024

College

Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of

Department

Sociology, Department of

BURS Faculty Advisor

Erin M. Pryor, Ph.D.

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

In the United States, nicotine addiction is an ongoing health crisis (U.S Food and Drug Administration, 2023). Pivotal to this crisis is the prevalence and ease of access to devices that deliver nicotine. Covering a broad spectrum, devices range from traditional forms of tobacco such as cigarettes, pipes, etc. to new nicotine devices such as e-cigarettes and vapes. Yet, even with the health crisis looming, more and more individuals are becoming addicted to nicotine (Ayers et al., 2011; Lyu et al., 2022; Pokhrel et al., 2021). In particular, research indicates that the 18-24 age demographic is significantly more likely to use new nicotine devices like e-cigerettes or vapes (Arora et al., 2016; Czaplicki et al. 2019; Ickes et al., 2020; Inman et al., 2020; Marron, 2017). Because of widespread use by young people, vapes and e-cigerettes have become normalized. This creates a lack of urgency for many young people regarding nicotine addiction as a health crisis due to the way that social influences have obscured the social perception of nicotine devices. Our research aims to uncover the social influences behind the acceptability of new and emerging nicotine devices for the 18-24 age demographic and how they reflect this ongoing health crisis. In Dr. P’s SRM course, we analyzed relevant research literature and used it to guide our research through multiple methodologies. We explored prevalence of usage and current beliefs of new and emerging nicotine devices by surveying college students within the identified susceptible age group (18-24 years), analyzing secondary data, conducting content analysis, and interviewing college students (18-24 years) about nicotine use and experience with nicotine devices. Through this, we engaged with research methods and procedures, but also uncovered information about the ongoing nicotine addiction health crisis.

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