Vaping susceptibility and initiation among young people in an Australian university

Nicotine vaping has increased in young people in recent years raising concerns about the negative health impacts. This study examined factors associated with vaping initiation and susceptibility among young people enrolled at an Australian university. Data from 765 students aged 18 + who completed an online anonymous survey were analysed. Binary logistic regression models were used to identify correlates of vaping initiation and susceptibility. Overall, 52% of the student sample reported having initiated vaping, of which 44% vaped currently. Among those who never tried, 27% were considered susceptible. Logistic regression indicated that those who were younger in age, enrolled in the health faculty, who perceived vaping as common among peers, had no concerns about second-hand vape aerosol exposure, and had any smoking experiences were more likely to have initiated vaping and were more susceptible to vaping uptake. Students living in off-campus accommodation were also more susceptible to vaping uptake. Factors associated with vaping initiation and susceptibility were very similar for the young people who participated in this study. This suggests that similar prevention/reduction strategies may be used to target students who are currently vaping and those who are vulnerable to vaping within a university setting.