Changes in tobacco and e-cigarette consumption in Spanish university students during the COVID-19 lockdown: Identification of vulnerable groups

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the changes in tobacco consumption in Spanish university students during the lockdown in 2020, and to identify vulnerable groups based on gender, age, and living situation. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. From a sample of 1540 Spanish university students, 19.9% (n=306; 77.6% women; mean age=30.9 years; SD=8.3) reported having consumed tobacco. The frequency and average daily consumption of cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) before the pandemic and during lockdown were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 97.1% of students consumed only cigarettes, 2.9% only ENDS, and 3.3% were dual consumers. During lockdown, cigarette consumption was significantly reduced (5.3 before; 4.0 during; t((71))=3.6255; p<0.001) in the youngest group (aged 18–24 years). However, women daily users significantly increased their consumption (t((149))= -2.5461; p<0.05) and so did the 35–44 years age group (t((32))= -2.2285; p<0.05). Cigarette consumption significantly increased in those who were living alone (5.6 to 7.2; Z= -2.351; p<0.05) and with a partner (7.2 to 8.0; t((97))= -2.3771; p<0.05), but decreased in those who were living with their parents or other relatives (6.2 to 4.5; t((101))=3.4298; p<0.001). A total of 17.0% ceased consumption during lockdown, mainly women, younger students (aged 18–24 years), and those who lived with their parents. None of the people who used cigarettes daily during the pre-pandemic period stopped smoking during lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Younger university students and those living with their parents decreased their tobacco use during the lockdown. Potentially vulnerable groups at risk of increasing their consumption were women who consumed tobacco daily before the pandemic and students aged 35–44 years who lived alone or with their partner.