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Introduction: The United States (U.S.) hosts the most international students worldwide; however, little research exists on international students’ tobacco use behaviors and predictors of use, despite harmful tobacco-related health consequences. We sought to investigate tobacco use rates and factors associated with susceptibility to cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use among international students.Methods: The study sample consisted of full-time international students (n=211) aged ≥18 years studying in the U.S. for ≥2 months on a visa who could read and write in English. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Univariate statistics summarized tobacco-related outcomes (current tobacco use, susceptibility to cigarettes, susceptibility to ENDS) and bivariate analyses and logistic regressions examined associations with demographics and tobacco-related knowledge and perceptions. Results: Approximately 21% of international students were current tobacco users and primarily used cigarettes, though poly-tobacco use was common. Among non-users, 33% were susceptible to cigarettes, and 34% were susceptible to ENDS. Adjusted models indicated perceived smoking benefits were linked to current use and susceptibility to ENDS while perceived smoking risks was protective for current use. Conclusion: Tobacco susceptibility and use among international students presents concerns given tobacco-related health risks; prevention and intervention efforts for this vulnerable population are needed. |
