Effectiveness of an Intervention Video Education Module for High School (HS) Students on Vaping and Other Nicotine Products

Background: Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), have become an area of concern in recent years. In 2020, the CDC reported that there were 3.6 million US middle and high school (HS) students ENDS users. Our previous research developed a video education module. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of our module with HS students using the Health Belief Model. Methods: Students were recruited in a small city private HS. They completed our validated pre- and post- TABS survey via Qualtrics after viewing an educational video and live demonstration/Q&A session. The data were analyzed using SPSS v17. Results: The freshmen and sophomore participants (N= 60) had an average age of 15.7 years; 59.4% were female and 37.7% male; 69.7% White, 10.5% Asian, and 9.2% Black. While 37% reported trying vaping products, the majority believed that 51-75% of their peers vaped regularly. After the intervention there was an increase in perceived severity that vaping causes heart damage (p=0.042) and knowledge of ingredients contained in vaping products, such as acrolein (p=0.001). Additionally, there was an increase in intent to quit (p=0.035). Conclusion/Implications: Our intervention appeared to have a positive impact on the health beliefs, knowledge, and self-efficacy of high school students. This topic is important to be addressed by school and pediatric primary care nurses. Further research needs to be conducted using a reformatted survey, a larger sample, and include college students.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2022/1134/thumbnail.jp

Vaping: Exploring perceptions and behaviors of students and ENDS products

Background: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have increased in use and media exposure with a 78% rise in usage between 2017 to 2018. While a gateway to addictive products, users are also unaware of the ingredients and their effects on the body. Interventions are limited. Further research is needed to investigate perceptions of ENDS and identify effective cessation strategies for young adults. Purpose: To explore the knowledge and attitudes of HS students regarding ENDS products and compare data collected over the year to determine effects of recent media exposure. Methods: Six focus groups (n = 45) were held in a rural high school. Students were asked four open ended questions which elicited dialogue regarding attitudes and behaviors about ENDS and suggestions for educational interventions. Results: Emerging themes were social and behavioral influences (peer pressure; nicotine addiction) ; knowledge deficit; media promotion or prevention. Suggested educational methods were explanation of the ingredients in ENDS, dramatic relief and visual depiction of the consequences. There was more focus in the media on prevention than last year. Conclusion/Implications: A knowledge deficit regarding the dangers of ENDS, including the damaging effects of nicotine, still exists. Data will lead to development of innovative interventions to decrease ENDS use in high schoolers.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1089/thumbnail.jp