Poster Presentation at the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Conference

Author: Mufazzela Tabassum | Major: Public Health | Semester: Spring 2023

I’m Mufazzela Tabassum, an Honors Public Health undergraduate student in the College of Education and Health Professions.  I conducted a research project with my mentor, Dr. Page Dobbs, in the Health, Human Performance, and Recreation department.

During the Spring 2023 semester, I conducted a research project in the Health, Equity, and Addictions Lab under the direction of my mentor, Dr. Page Dobbs. Our lab focuses heavily on research related to young adult’s e-cigarette use given that it has become one of the leading public health epidemics. The aim for our research was to examine young adult e-cigarette users by device type. Because there is a wide range of e-cigarette devices, each with different flavors, features, and addictive properties, it is important for us to know if there are certain types of people (age, demographics, and personalities) who use certain types of e-cigarette devices. Currently, e-cigarette users are generalized both in intervention programs as well as tobacco and nicotine research. Understanding if there are subgroups within the general umbrella of e-cigarette users can help us tailor interventions and policies to better address the specific needs and preferences of different user groups. This can ultimately contribute to more effective prevention and harm reduction strategies.

I chose this topic because I have always been interested in public health and addressing emerging health issues. The growing prevalence of e-cigarette use among young adults has many potential health issues, and it is very important for us to understand the nuances within this phenomenon. By examining the relationship between device types and user profiles, we can provide evidence-based insights to inform interventions and policies that have the potential to make a significant impact on public health outcomes. Furthermore, Dr. Dobbs’ expertise lies in the field of tobacco and nicotine research, making her an ideal mentor to guide and support me throughout the entire process of conducting this project. I was confident that her extensive knowledge and experience would be instrumental in ensuring the successful completion of my research.

Throughout my research project, I gained valuable insights into my chosen topic. Exploring this topic allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of e-cigarette devices available, such as vape pens, box mods, JUUL, non-JUUL pods, Puff Bar Disposables, and non-Puff Bar disposables.  Not only did I increase my understanding of the differences between e-cigarette devices, but I also was able to acquire several new research skills that will help me in my future research endeavors. In this research project, I got to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data by using preliminary survey and interview data collected by my mentor. Because of the plethora of information found in both these data sets, at times it became challenging to easily identify common themes among users who use certain types of devices. However, I was able to overcome this by using a systematic approach to identify the patterns and associations within the data.

I used coding and thematic analysis techniques to group similar responses in the qualitative interviews. Both methods were taught to me by mentor. I also worked extensively with my mentor to analyze the quantitative survey data. We employed logistic regressions to identify if there were specific demographic variables associated with e-cigarette users who use the same types of devices and found several statistically significant findings.

I had the opportunity to share the results from our study at an international conference held by the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. I was able to do a poster presentation and engage in many insightful conversations with many prominent tobacco and nicotine researchers. The conference was an incredible educational opportunity because it allowed me to exchange valuable research information with others, and I was able to network with individuals who share a common passion for tackling our nation’s leading preventable public health epidemic.

Overall, this project has given me a passion for public health research specifically in the realm of tobacco and nicotine. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable opportunities and abundant resources that the Honors College has provided for me. Through their support, I have been able to not only conduct thorough research but also effectively share my findings with a wider audience. This upcoming semester, I am excited to embark on another research project that delves into the complex landscape of tobacco access laws and policy loopholes. Collaborating closely with my mentor, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of social media discussions to gain deeper insights into the challenges and gaps present in existing tobacco regulations.