VCOM-Auburn Medical Students Take on Teen Tobacco and Vaping Awareness

Strategic Insights -

Medical students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Auburn (VCOM-Auburn) are working to address the challenges of teen tobacco and vaping use in Alabama schools. A group of VCOM-Auburn students, led by Rachael Hildebrand, Jennifer Friery, Emeri Nosal, and Peter Ern, conducted a study to assess awareness and lay the groundwork for prevention efforts. The project, titled "Examining Awareness of Adverse Effects of Tobacco Use and Assessing Current Tobacco Use Among Alabama Teens," aimed to inform public health education and improve adolescent health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project, led by VCOM-Auburn students, aimed to assess awareness of adverse effects of tobacco use and current tobacco use among Alabama teens, with the goal of informing public health education and improving adolescent health outcomes.
  • The study began as a research assignment but evolved into a broader mission to educate and prevent tobacco and vaping use in Alabama schools.
  • The team designed a study to connect classroom learning with real-world public health impact, collaborating with Beauregard High School educators Erik Goldmann and Richard Brown.
  • The initial findings revealed a promising trend, with many high school students reporting they had never used tobacco products and expressing little interest in trying them.
  • However, the survey also showed significant gaps in understanding about the contents of e-cigarettes and their long-term health effects.
  • The team expanded the project to include all students in grades 9 through 12 at Beauregard High School, transforming the project from a classroom study into a school-wide health initiative.
  • The VCOM-Auburn students presented their initial findings at VCOM Research Day and plan to expand the project to additional high schools in Lee County and eventually across Alabama.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted with support from Beauregard High School and involved a comprehensive literature review, data collection, and survey design.
  • The initial data collection was conducted in Mr. Goldmann's health professional class, with a custom survey designed to assess awareness and knowledge gaps about tobacco and vaping.
  • The findings revealed a promising trend, with 80% of students reporting they had never used tobacco products and 70% recognizing the addictive nature of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes (as reported in the study).
  • The project aims to create a broader understanding of where educational efforts are most needed to prevent tobacco and vaping use in Alabama schools.

Sources:

  • [Original text] https://www.vcom.edu/news/2025/07/28/beyond-smoke-vcom-auburn-medical-students-dive-teen-tobacco-awareness
  • *Note: The original text does not mention a specific date, but it is assumed to be from July 2025 based on the content.*