1. Initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on tobacco use among college students in California.
- Author
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Maheta BJ, Khan A, Skinner S, and Dove MS
- Subjects
- Humans, Universities statistics & numerical data, Young Adult, Female, Male, California epidemiology, Adolescent, Surveys and Questionnaires, SARS-CoV-2, Pandemics, Students statistics & numerical data, Students psychology, COVID-19 epidemiology, COVID-19 prevention & control, Tobacco Use epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the change in tobacco use by college students in California during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Young adults (18-24 years) currently enrolled in a California college or university ( N = 212). Methods: Students recruited through social media posts and by student tobacco advocate members completed an online survey of 59 questions in Spring 2021. Results: Almost 80% of current tobacco users reported a change in tobacco use during the pandemic. Most current tobacco users who changed their tobacco use reported an increase in use during the pandemic (43.2%) and 38.7% reported a decrease in use. Conclusion: As a result of COVID-19, many college students changed their tobacco use. As students return to campus and COVID-19 regulations are lifted, this may be an ideal time for prevention and cessation messages, which could include information on health risks associated with tobacco and e-cigarette use, and healthy methods for stress reduction.
- Published
- 2025
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