Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Use in a Hispanic College Sample

Abstract

Young Hispanics are at greater risk of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use compared to non-Hispanic individuals. A lack of a consistent theoretical framework in ENDS research warrants assessing ENDS use from a socioecological approach. Hispanic college students (N = 761; 76.2% female) completed a survey of ENDS use and potentially related sociocultural and behavioral constructs. A logistic regression model indicated that the Attitudinal Familism Scale (AFS) Subjugation of Self for Family, tobacco and cannabis ever use, Comparison of E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes General Benefits were significant predictors of ENDS ever use. A linear regression model indicated that monthly ENDS use was positively associated with AFS Familial Support, monthly cannabis use, Negative Consequences, and the E-cigarette Dependence Scale and negatively associated with monthly alcohol use. Cessation efforts may wish to focus on family support for health-promoting behaviors, reducing dual use of cigarettes and cannabis, and addressing the impact of nicotine dependence.