Vaping behavior and vulnerability to substance use among university students: The role of risk-taking behavior and peer influence

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between vaping behavior and vulnerability to substance use among university students, with particular emphasis on the roles of risk-taking behavior and peer influence. A quantitative correlational research design was employed, and a sample of 200 university students aged 18–25 years was selected from public and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through a demographic information sheet, a vaping behavior questionnaire, the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS), a peer influence scale, and a measure of substance-use vulnerability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings indicated significant positive relationships between vaping behavior and vulnerability to substance use (r = .48, p < .01), risk-taking behavior and vulnerability to substance use (r = .55, p < .01), and peer influence and vulnerability to substance use (r = .50, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that vaping behavior (β = .21, p = .001), risk-taking behavior (β = .37, p = .001), and peer influence (β = .31, p = .001) significantly predicted vulnerability to substance use, collectively explaining 46% of the variance. Risk-taking behavior emerged as the strongest predictor. The findings highlight the importance of psychological and social factors in understanding substance-use vulnerability among university students. The study emphasizes the need for university-based prevention programs focusing on vaping awareness, responsible decision-making, risk reduction, and resistance to negative peer pressure. In conclusion, understanding the relationship between vaping behavior, risk-taking tendencies, and peer influence may contribute to developing culturally appropriate preventive strategies to reduce substance-related vulnerability among young adults in Pakistan.