scholarly journals The Influence of Friends on Teen Vaping: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Author(s):  
Allison L. Groom ◽  
Thanh-Huyen T. Vu ◽  
Robyn L. Landry ◽  
Anshula Kesh ◽  
Joy L. Hart ◽  
...  

Vaping is popular among adolescents. Previous research has explored sources of information and influence on youth vaping, including marketing, ads, family, peers, social media, and the internet. This research endeavors to expand understanding of peer influence. Our hypothesis is that friends’ influence on teen vapers’ first electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use varies by demographic variables and awareness of ENDS advertising. In August–October 2017, youth (n = 3174) aged 13–18 completed an online survey to quantify ENDS behaviors and attitudes and were invited to participate in follow-up online research in November-December 2017 to probe qualitative context around perceptions and motivations (n = 76). This analysis focused on the ENDS users, defined as having ever tried any ENDS product, from the survey (n = 1549) and the follow-up research (n = 39). Among survey respondents, friends were the most common source of vapers’ first ENDS product (60%). Most survey respondents tried their first ENDS product while “hanging out with friends” (54%). Among follow-up research participants, the theme of socializing was also prominent. ENDS advertising and marketing through social media had a strong association with friend networks; in fact, the odds of friends as source of the first vaping experience were 2 times higher for those who had seen ENDS ads on social media compared with other types of media. The influence of friends is particularly evident among non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics/Latinos, those living in urban areas, those living in high-income households, those with higher self-esteem, and those who experiment with vaping. These findings support the premise that peer influence is a primary social influencer and reinforcer for vaping. Being included in a popular activity appears to be a strong driving force.

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 2306
Author(s):  
Husam Abazid ◽  
Iman A. Basheti ◽  
Esraa E. Al-Jomaa ◽  
Ayham Abazid ◽  
Warda M. Kloub

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, believes, psychological and behavioural impact of COVID-19 on the general population in the Middle East, exploring how it impacted public lives. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was sent to a convenience sample in the Middle East through social media (Facebook and WhatsApp) between 16th of June and 30th of June 2020. The questionnaire was designed to collect the demographic, participant’s source of information regarding COVID-19, knowledge and believes about COVID-19, the psychological consequences of COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on participant’s behaviour. The final version of the questionnaire was further tested for content validity by experts in the field. Results: A total of 2,061 participants completed the survey, with the majority being females (n=1394, 67.6%), from urban areas (n=1896, 92%) and the majority were from countries of The Levant (n=1199, 58.1%), followed by the Arabian Peninsula (n=392, 19.1%), Iraq (n=300, 14.6%) and Egypt (n=138, 6.7%). Few participants (3.0%) reported to have been infected and many (n=1847, 89.6%) were committed to quarantine at home. Social media platforms were the most common sources of information (41.2%). Many (63%) believed that COVID-19 is a biological weapon and were afraid of visiting crowded places (85%). The majority avoided public facilities (86.9%) such as prayer places and believed that the news about COVID-19 made them anxious (49.5%).


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000942
Author(s):  
Oliver G P Lawton ◽  
Sarah A Lawton ◽  
Lisa Dikomitis ◽  
Joanne Protheroe ◽  
Joanne Smith ◽  
...  

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.


2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongbo Liu ◽  
Laurie Wu ◽  
Xiang (Robert) Li

The sharing of travel experiences has become ubiquitous in today’s era. This study focuses on a pervasive trend among Millennial consumers: the experience of benign envy toward others’ positive travel experience sharing on social networking sites. Drawing on social comparison theory, the current study reveals why and under what conditions others’ positive experience sharing may trigger Millennial consumers’ destination visit intention. Using a mixed experimental design, this study finds that, among consumers with low trait self-esteem, luxury travel experiences shared by similar others stimulate focal consumers’ own intentions to visit the same destination. In addition, destination visit intention is triggered by benign envy toward the experience sharer. Important theoretical insights are provided regarding peer influence mechanism on social networking sites and travel consumption. Finally, managerial implications for destination marketers are presented with a focus on how to improve the effectiveness of social media marketing in targeting Millennials.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e55-e57
Author(s):  
Audrey-Anne Milette ◽  
Lindsay Richter ◽  
Claude-Julie Bourque ◽  
Annie Janvier ◽  
Kate Robson ◽  
...  

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Preterm birth outcome studies and clinical follow-up have traditionally focused on neurodevelopment. We previously showed in a selected sample of parents that they also valued other types of outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to validate these findings in a more diverse cohort by examining parental perspectives about the positive and negative aspects of their very preterm child’s health and development in relation to level of neurodevelopment impairment (NDI). Design/Methods Parents of children born < 29 weeks gestational age in 2016-2018 and seen at two Canadian neonatal follow-up clinics were invited to complete an online survey about their level of agreement with statements about their child’s health, development, and well-being. Parental responses in relation to their child’s level of NDI were examined using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square for trends tests. Results 199 parental responses were obtained for 165 children (65% of eligible children). Of these children, 52%, 27% and 21% had, respectively, no, mild to moderate, and severe NDI. Development was the most common source of concerns (49%), followed by the child’s future (35%), and physical health (35%). Parents of children with severe NDI were more likely to express concerns than those with mild to moderate or no NDI. Parents rated their child’s health relatively high with a median score of 8/10 (range 3-10). Children with no NDI were given higher scores than those with NDI (p = 0.004). Regardless of level of NDI, almost all parents agreed with their child being happy (p = 1.000) and having a positive personality (p = 0.207). Figure 1 shows that parental concerns increased with level of NDI. Conclusion Parents of preterm children have a balanced perspective on their child’s outcome. Integrating their views when developing core sets of important outcomes for neonatal follow-up is critical.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ria Angeline Martins ◽  
Russell Seth Martins ◽  
Syeda Maryam Zehra Zaidi ◽  
Scheryar Saqib ◽  
Aiman Ahmed ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted a large majority of Pakistan’s population, with one particular demographic of stakeholders being the country’s young adult population. Our study looks to understand levels COVID-19-related awareness, perceptions, and behaviors, and sources of COVID-19-related knowledge, amongst Pakistan’s young adult population.Methods:This survey was conducted by the Aga Khan University over July-October 2020, via a Google Form disseminated on multiple social media platforms. All respondents aged between 18-35 years and currently residing in Pakistan were included.Results:The questionnaire received a total of 406 responses with the respondents having a mean age of 25.15 ± 5.80 years. 52.5% of the respondents were currently students. The vast majority relied on social media (83.7%), internet blogs/websites (83.3%) and newspapers/television (70.7%) as major sources of information regarding COVID-19. The highest percentage of individuals believed spread was possible through contaminated surfaces (95.3%), while 86.4% believed spread was possible via inhalation of droplets, and 52.0% via close contact with asymptomatic individuals. Alarmingly, 21.9% believed that transmission was possible through contact with packages shipped from China, and 16% believed COVID-19 could be contracted by eating food in Chinese restaurants. Moreover, 24.1% believed COVID-19 to be a biological weapon designed in a laboratory, while 23.9% were unsure.Conclusions: Our survey revealed some deficiencies in the understanding of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, along with racial biases and the prevalence of misinformation. Since young adults play an important role in the global response to the pandemic, our study suggests interventions that target the young adults in Pakistan in an attempt to increase their awareness about the pandemic and help them cope with its effects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 117-120
Author(s):  
Vikas Talreja ◽  
Purvish Parikh ◽  
Mukesh Nagar ◽  
Satyapal Kataria

Objectives: Molecular oncology (GO) is a discipline that focuses on the diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and management of cancer with the help of molecular genetics. Increasing understanding of the molecular changes that drive tumor progression has transformed the treatment of this disease. The main goal of this study was to describe the current situation in India regarding the knowledge, attitude, and practice of molecular oncology through an online survey of oncologists. Material and Methods: A descriptive survey was sent to several hospitals by means of E-mails and social media. Results: Between December 2019 and February 2020, 74 responses were collected. All of the respondents were interested in the accreditation of the reports and authorizing agency accrediting them. About 68.9% of the practicing oncologist did not have any provision of molecular oncology tumor board. 82.4% of the oncologists reviewed with the molecular pathologist for discussion of the molecular reports. On the contrary, 58.1% of the oncologist never received any information from the reporting team about the patient clinical details, follow-up, or changes in the reports ever. About 79.7% of the prescribing oncologist were interested in remuneration in any form for prescribing such tests. About 27% of the oncologist were not aware of any accreditation agency available in India for molecular oncology reports. Conclusion: From the nationwide survey, we conclude that there is an increasing perception of the need for training in molecular oncology. This survey reflects a reality, in which specific needs are perceived.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 160-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mugur Geana

Introduction. As we conduct this study, the world is in the grasp of a deadly pandemic. In less than six months since its first diagnosis in Wuhan, China, the COVID-19 infectious disease due to the novel coronavirus has infected over 5,000,000 people and claimed over 350,000 lives. In the United States, most of the cases are in large urban settings along the coasts, but the disease is slowly progressing through the mainland. Kansas, with its particular location in the midwest United States, has seen a relatively small number of cases, but these are increasing. The Kansas government took radical measures to prevent the spread of the disease. According to the Health Beliefs Model, an individual’s perception of risk will dictate engagement with preventive behaviors. Knowledge about the disease and preventive measures drive the risk assessment. Knowledge is dependant on the sources of information used. This study explored these metrics in a sample of Kansans living in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A combination of snowball samples and random distribution through social media was used to recruit participants to an online survey. The risk and knowledge instrument was developed and validated by WHO Europe. Data collection lasted 96 hours. Results. The attitudes and behaviors of Kansans concerning COVID-19 were consistent with its location in an area of the country with a relatively lower incidence of the disease. Participants had good knowledge about the disease and preventive measures and were willing to comply with recommendations from local authorities. Conclusion. Localized information sources that cater to the community are often primary, while social media is not a valuable source for information pertinent to COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532096224
Author(s):  
Antonella Somma ◽  
Giulia Gialdi ◽  
Claudia Frau ◽  
Margherita Barranca ◽  
Andrea Fossati

In an online sample of 1054 Italian community-dwelling adults, we assessed the relationships between the frequency of implementation of practices intended to prevent COVID-19 infection, degree of agreement with theories about the origin of the infections, and the frequency of use of different sources of information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that participants’ COVID-19-related preventive behaviors and causal beliefs were significantly associated with selected demographic variables and frequency of use of specific sources of information (e.g. scientific journals vs social media).


2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel G Ray ◽  
Astrid Guttmann ◽  
Jose Silveira ◽  
Alison L Park

BackgroundMany youth deaths occur in the first year of life, from prematurity and anomalies. Detailing mortality after age 1 year may differentially guide preventive strategies in children, adolescents and young adults.MethodsA cohort study in Ontario, Canada comprised 3 139 698 children born from 1990 to 2016. Adjusted HR (aHR) for death between 1 and 24 years were generated, comparing demographic variables and parity.ResultsAfter a median of 13.7 years of follow-up, 6930 deaths occurred between ages 1 and 24 years (incidence rate 17.0 per 100 000 person-years), peaking at age 23 years (43.7 per 100 000). The aHR for death was higher among males than females (1.44, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.51), rural versus urban areas (1.48, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.58), lowest versus highest income areas (1.39, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.51) and at parity 1 (1.16, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.23), parity 2 (1.34, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.45), parity 3+ (1.96, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.21), each relative to a child without an older sibling. Among males, the proportion of deaths due to injury jumped from 30% before age 15 years to 65% thereafter, and in females, from 28% to 51%. Intentional self-harm/assault explained 11% of injury-related deaths among males before age 15 years, and 20% thereafter, with respective figures of 18% and 17% for females. Deaths outside of hospital increased with age, from 35% at age 1 year, to 66% at age 22 years.ConclusionThere is a heightened susceptibility of dying starting at age 15 years, especially among males, from injury, and arising outside of hospital.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bodh Raj Sharma ◽  
Saransh Gupta ◽  
Ankit Sharma

This study highlights the role of satisfaction for building e-marketing leadership and empirically explores the differences in the customer satisfaction of online buyers. The study tries to discern how segmenting the customer based on marital status may help the online marketers for effective leadership and competitive advantage in the modern globalized market. An online survey instrument was administered to a sample of 200 online buyers from a northern city of India. The respondents were contacted both personally as well as through the emails, social media like Facebook, Whatsapp etc. The instrument comprised items related to online satisfaction along with few variables of demographic variables. The study employed purposive sampling which is appropriate for exploratory type of studies. The findings indicate that online shoppers are moderately satisfied from e-retailers. It is suggested that e-retailers must address issues of customers vibrantly so that customers become highly satisfied which ultimately leads to e-marketing leadership.


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