title: Associations with E-cigarette use among Asian American and Pacific Islander young adults in California.
abstract: With attention to the rapidly growing market of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/e-cigarettes) and the fastest growing US ethnic minority group, the current study explored associations between awareness, perceived risks, and use of ENDS among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) young adults. AAPI young adults (ages 18-25) in California were recruited via social media, college classes, listservs for AAPI-serving non-profits, and snowball sampling to complete an anonymous survey between 2014 and 2015. The sample (N = 501) was 57% women, 15% LGBTQIA; with a mean age of 21; 26% foreign-born; identifying as Filipino (29%), Chinese (24%), Vietnamese (14%), mixed-AAPI heritage (13%), or 21% other. Nearly half the sample (44%) reported ever ENDS use; 11% were current users. Current ENDS use was twofold greater for: Filipino and Vietnamese compared to Chinese respondents; men versus women; LGBTQIA-identified respondents; those vocationally trained; and employed. Awareness of ENDS from peers/friends was most common and was associated with ever though not current ENDS use. Most respondents perceived ENDS as harmful (62%); low compared to high risk perception was associated with a three-fold greater likelihood of ever use and six-fold greater likelihood of current use. Popular flavors were fruit (49%, e.g., lychee, taro) and candy/sweets (26%). Current users viewed ENDS as a healthier alternative or quit aid for conventional cigarettes (42%); recreation/social use (33%) also was common. Findings indicate ENDS visibility among AAPI young adults in California with affinity for flavors and many engaging in trial and current use for harm reduction and recreational/social aims.
authors.affiliation: Department of Asian American Studies, EP 103, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA & School of Social Work, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
authors.forename: Dale Dagar
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Maglalang
authors.affiliation: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, Medical School Office Building, Suite 300, 1265 Welch Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5411, USA.
authors.forename: Cati
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brown-Johnson
authors.affiliation: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, Medical School Office Building, Suite 300, 1265 Welch Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5411, USA.
authors.forename: Judith J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Prochaska
keywords: Asian American; Electronic cigarette; Flavors; Pacific Islander; Risk perception; Young adults