New research, led by Marie Kava, clinical assistant professor in Health Systems and Population Health (HSPOP), examines multi-substance, including e-cigarettes, and mental health among college students. The study found that 95% of college students who used e-cigarettes had also used other substances within the past 30 days. Compared to students who did not use substances, students who used e-cigarettes and other substances experienced poorer mental health. Though the study did not say whether multi-substance use causes poor mental health, understanding how the use of substances could play a role in mental health is useful for developing programs to support college students.
“Tobacco control is a really important public health issue. Tobacco can cause so many different diseases. People usually start smoking before the age of 18, so thinking about ways to prevent substance use at an early age is really important. To help college students be well equipped in that transition period of going from childhood to adulthood, we should think about prevention and how we address these issues early so people can be set up for success and have the best health outcomes,” said Kava. For more information about Kava and her research click the link below.