December 3, 2024
New study assesses connection between substance use, mental health in college students
E-cigarettes have become widely used by young adults, including college students, over the past decade due to their variety of flavors, addictive properties and targeted marketing strategies toward this age group. The negative consequences of nicotine on physical health are well-known, yet researchers want to understand the connection between mental health and use of e-cigarettes.
Marie Kava, a clinical assistant professor of health systems and population health in the University of Washington School of Public Health, led a study published in the journal, Tobacco Prevention & Cessation, that found that 95% of college students who used e-cigarettes had also used other substances within the past 30 days. The study also discovered that compared to students who did not use substances, students who used e-cigarettes and other substances experienced poorer mental health outcomes.
Kava addressed the importance of addressing e-cigarette use at an early age in order to help college students be more equipped for the transition into adulthood. She also acknowledged the shift in mental health needs for college students since the pandemic, and that additional research is required to develop stronger programs to support them.