This study examined if college students used particular e-cigarette devices for different reasons. Participants: College students from a large southern university completed an online, close- and open-ended survey. Data were delimited to those 18-25 years of age who had used e-cigarettes (n = 338). Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed by quantifying qualitative responses via an inducting coding method. Next, χ2 analyses examined relationships between use of different products (i.e., cigalikes, vape pens, eGos, mods) and reasons for using e-cigarettes. Results: Emerging themes representing reasons for trying e-cigarettes included: curiosity, peer pressure, recreation, flavors, better than cigarettes, and to quit/reduce tobacco use. Significant relationships existed between use of cigalikes, (p < . 01), eGos (p < . 05), and mods (p < . 05) and use of e-cigarettes to quitting/reducing tobacco use. Conclusions: Health promotion efforts on college campuses should address curiosity about these products and provide scientifically proven therapy to those seeking to quit tobacco.
Keywords: Behavioral influences; college students; e-cigarettes; electronic cigarette; reasons.