Using the integrated behavioral model to explain and predict cannabis vaping among college students.

Background: Cannabis vaping has become increasingly popular among college students. The purpose of this study was to use the Integrated Behavioral Model to better understand students' motivations for engaging in this high-risk behavior. Methods: A survey instrument was developed to assess six IBM constructs, as well as past use of cannabis and nicotine, and cannabis vaping behavior changes related to COVID-19. A structural equation model was used to assess the effects of IBM predictors on Behavioral Intention. Results: The IBM predictors accounted for 54.2% of the variance in Behavioral Intention. The strongest path coefficients on Behavioral Intention were Perceived Norm and Experiential Attitude. Conclusion: The results from this study can be used to design interventions to decrease cannabis vaping use among college students. More specifically, social norm interventions and addressing other misconceptions about vaping cannabis, appears to be a promising theoretical approach to help ameliorate this unique public health challenge.

Factors that influence cannabis vaping habits of college students: A qualitative study.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes and perceptions of college undergraduates regarding cannabis vaping. Participants: Twenty-one, predominantly male (71.4%; Mage = 22, SD = 2.09), undergraduate college students who reported vaping cannabis in the past 30 days. Methods: Participants were interviewed to determine their attitudes and perceptions regarding cannabis vaping. Findings: Thematic analysis uncovered six primary themes and eighteen subthemes. Main themes included (1) Convenience, (2) Discreetness, (3) Mood-Altering Experience, (4) Social Acceptability, (5) Health and Safety, and (6) COVID-19 Pandemic Impact. Conclusion: College students who use cannabis tend to both vape and use combustible methods, depending upon social and physical environment. This population tends to vaporize cannabis for its perceived mood-altering properties. Additional research is needed to further examine the behaviors and attitudes surrounding cannabis vaping among college undergraduates, as well as the development of interventions specific to this demographic.