Initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on tobacco use among college students in California.

Objective

To evaluate the change in tobacco use by college students in California during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants

Young adults (18-24 years) currently enrolled in a California college or university (N = 212).

Methods

Students recruited through social media posts and by student tobacco advocate members completed an online survey of 59 questions in Spring 2021.

Results

Almost 80% of current tobacco users reported a change in tobacco use during the pandemic. Most current tobacco users who changed their tobacco use reported an increase in use during the pandemic (43.2%) and 38.7% reported a decrease in use.

Conclusion

As a result of COVID-19, many college students changed their tobacco use. As students return to campus and COVID-19 regulations are lifted, this may be an ideal time for prevention and cessation messages, which could include information on health risks associated with tobacco and e-cigarette use, and healthy methods for stress reduction.