Understanding E-Cigarette Knowledge and Use Amongd/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students and the Need forTailored Prevention Programming: A Qualitative Study

Electronic cigarette use has become epidemic among American youth. Little is known about the extent of use among d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh) youth or prevention programming for this population. In a qualitative study with d/Dhh youth and school staff and administrators serving them, four focus groups were conducted with middle school students (n = 19) and four with high school students (n = 15) to assess their knowledge of and experiences with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products and exposure to prevention programming. Key informant interviews were conducted with seven school staff and administrators. Considerable awareness of and curiosity about e-cigarettes were found, and many misconceptions about vaping. Besides industry marketing, e-cigarette exposure occurred through interactions with older students, alumni, and hearing students. Most participants reported no experience with e-cigarette prevention programming, a finding that highlights the need for tailored programming for d/Dhh students.