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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2020) – A new study by researchers in the University of Kentucky College of Nursing shows correlations between use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and persistent cough among college students. ENDS include electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and JUULS.
Published in Addictive Behaviors, the UK-funded pilot study surveyed 61 UK students about their tobacco and e-cig use, and if they had experienced respiratory symptoms such as a persistent cough. Even when controlling for traditional cigarette and marijuana use among participants, the study found a greater likelihood of persistent cough among ENDS users.
“College students are curious,” said Kristin Ashford, UK College of Nursing professor and principal investigator of the project. “When new products emerge, students often try them without having adequate data regarding product safety.”
Corbin and Williamsburg were both recognized as winners of the Smoke-Free Excellence in E-Cigarette Policy Award during a virtual ceremony hosted by the Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy (KCSP), the Kentucky Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Program (KTPC), Kentucky Department of Public Health (DPH) and the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.
The award, “honor[s] advocates and city leaders who are fighting toward tobacco-free and smoke-free policies that advance healthy environments for Kentuckians,” according to an article by the University of Kentucky
Corbin, Williamsburg and Campbellsville all received the Smoke-Free Excellence in E-Cigarette Policy Award, according to the University of Kentucky article. These cities received the award, “for strengthening their comprehensive smoke-free ordinances to prohibit the use of electronic smoking devices in the workplace.”