Motives and Risk Perceptions Among Young Adults Engaged in Frequent Vaping and Dual Cannabis Use: Implications for Prevention and Intervention

Many young adults use vaping products to vape both nicotine and cannabis. Yet, there is a dearth of understanding on their motives for use and risk perceptions of vaping that could have significant clinical implications for designing interventions. In this study, social media was used to recruit 97 young adults aged 15–25 who reported vaping in the past month. Participants completed an online survey assessing vaping behaviors, perceived risks of vaping, and interest in treatment. Descriptive statistics and differences between participants vaping nicotine only and those vaping nicotine and cannabis (dual use) are reported. Vaping was found to be frequent and consistent among all participants, reported on average 25 of the past 30 days. Half of participants reported vaping nicotine only (n = 48, 49.5%) and half reported dual use (n = 49, 50.5%). Participants vaping nicotine only were more likely to perceive vaping as less harmful than smoking (65.9% vs 39.6%; p = .01) and were less likely to report concerns about the negative health consequences of nicotine vaping (Mean (SD): 6.6(2.5) vs 7.7(1.3); p = .01). Two thirds of participants reported interest in quitting, however less than 5% reported receiving treatment. These findings underscore the diverse motives and risk perceptions that shape frequent and dual vaping behaviors and can inform tailored treatment efforts.