A mixed-methods investigation of college students in Thailand has identified key factors associated with e-cigarette use and revealed that having friends who vape is uniquely tied to curiosity among non-users. Published in the journal BMC Public Health, the study combined cross-sectional survey data with in-depth qualitative interviews to evaluate both promoting and preventing influences surrounding e-cigarette initiation.
The quantitative component of the research involved a structured survey administered to 614 college students. Within this evaluated cohort, 137 participants, or 22.3 percent, reported having used e-cigarettes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several demographic and environmental characteristics that were associated with higher odds of e-cigarette use. These statistically significant factors included older student age, a personal monthly income exceeding 10,000 Baht compared to less than 5,000 Baht, residence in a condominium rather than living with family, and having any friend who uses e-cigarettes.
Among the remaining 475 non-users surveyed in the sample, 39 individuals expressed an interest in trying e-cigarettes. When the investigators performed multivariate logistic regression specifically evaluating interest among these non-users, the social influence of peers emerged as the dominant predictor. Having any friend who uses e-cigarettes was the sole factor significantly associated with higher odds of an active interest in trying the devices, highlighting the central role peer exposure plays before actual experimentation occurs.
To explore the nuanced mechanisms behind these quantitative patterns, the researchers conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 15 non-users who had indicated an interest in vaping. A thematic analysis of their interview responses revealed that driving factors for curiosity included general interest, emotional stress, and perceived socialization opportunities. Conversely, participants described several notable deterrents that prevented them from initiating use, specifically citing the financial cost of devices, negative health implications, concerns over personal mannerisms, and direct parental influence.
The qualitative findings also highlighted several factors that functioned simultaneously as both promoting and preventing influences depending on personal perception. Specifically, product image, odor, and peer dynamics demonstrated dual roles across different participants.
Writing in their report, the study authors noted that identifying these specific promoting and preventing factors is crucial as marketing by the tobacco industry expands toward younger populations. Because peer behavior served as a primary catalyst for curiosity while health worries, expenses, and family oversight served as active barriers, the researchers concluded that these distinct variables should directly inform the design of targeted public health prevention programs aimed at youth who have not yet initiated e-cigarette use.
Subject of Research: Promoting and preventing factors influencing e-cigarette initiation among Thai college students
Article Title: Exploring promoting and preventing factors of e-cigarette initiation: a mixed-methods study in Thai non-user college students with interest in e-cigarette use
Article References: Savigamin, C., Lekawat, P., Sribundit, N., Panyakhamlerd, N., Petchlorlian, E., Suthutvoravut, U., Thongpan, M., & Boonmanunt, S. W. (2026). Exploring promoting and preventing factors of e-cigarette initiation: a mixed-methods study in Thai non-user college students with interest in e-cigarette use. BMC Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-30046-z
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-30046-z
Keywords: e-cigarettes, vaping, college students, Thailand, smoking prevention, peer influence, tobacco research, public health, mixed-methods research, logistic regression, thematic analysis, health behavior, adolescent health, substance initiation, preventive medicine, health communication
News Source: Ophelia Keating. (November 13, 2026). Peer Use Predicts E-Cigarette Interest Among Thai College Non-Users, Study Finds. Scienmag.
