Date of Conferral

11-4-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

JaMuir Robinson

Abstract

Initiation of use of e-cigarettes is attributed to many factors and must be understood to curtail health-related problems such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases that are associated with use of tobacco products. This study used the Social Cognitive Theory to analyze how curiosity and peer influence could be possible predictors of e-cigarette use among youth in the United States. Predictors of flavor preference and acquisition were also examined. Data were acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (N = 20,189). Statistical tests to determine existing relations and associations were binary and multinomial logistic regression. The binary logistic regression revealed there was an association between level of curiosity and peer influence and use of e-cigarettes among American youths (p < .001). Curiosity and peer influence varied by race. Age was also a strong and significant predictor of use of e-cigarettes, as odds of use increased by 35.1% as age increased. Younger age groups were more inclined to use fruit (p < .001) and menthol-flavored (p =.027) e-cigarettes. Females were more inclined to use candy-flavored e-cigarettes than male (p = .006). White respondents were more likely to obtain their e-cigarettes from some other source other than a family member (p = .002), friend (p =.020), or vape shop (p = .261) when compared to other races. The results of this study provided evidence regarding associations between demographic factors and flavor and place of acquisition as well as the role of curiosity and peer influence as predictors for use of e-cigarettes. This evidence can be used to strengthen anti-e-cigarette efforts, resulting in positive social change through reductions in the use of e-cigarettes among American youth.

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