Graduate Student Presentation Contest: A select number of graduate students will be chosen to give a brief presentation (10-15 min) of their research. These students will be eligible for an additional prize based on their ability to make their research accessible for a general audience.
Characterization of vaping products confiscated from Virginia school youth between 2022 and 2025
Meredith G. Buckmire, Ankita Gola, Kevin J. Lester, Bayli F. Morton, Kelsey S. Moss, Alaina K. Holt, Jessemia Meekins, Justin L. Poklis, Caroline O. Cobb, Michelle R. Peace
Introduction: Since 2014, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, “vapes”) have been the most reported method of consuming nicotine for U.S. middle and high students. In an effort to curb underage use, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited both the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes) to persons <21 years of age and flavors other than menthol and tobacco in cartridge-based (pod-based) products. Though recent surveys report a decrease in vaping products use among middle and high school populations, of students who reported vaping, almost 9 in 10 reported using vapes with flavors other than menthol and tobacco. E-cigarettes have been adapted to vaporize drugs other than nicotine (DOTNs), most notably Δ9- and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alongside other cannabinoids. Objective: The objective of this study is to characterize vaping trends in the adolescent population of Virginia by evaluating vaping products and their liquids (e-liquids) confiscated from public school students. Methods: Vaping products confiscated from Virginia public school students between 2022 and 2025 were shipped to the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research (LFTR) in Richmond, Virginia. The date confiscated, student grade level, and how the student acquired the device were requested. E-liquids were screened using an untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Volatile compounds were identified and quantified using headspace gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID). Nicotine and cannabinoid concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Microbiological contaminants were identified using 3MTM PETRIFILMTM plates. Results: A total of 1874 vaping devices were received over two collection periods (2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years); only one submission was an FDA-authorized product. The most reported methods of acquisition were receiving the vape from a friend or purchasing themself. Of samples with submission information, most products were collected from high school students and were labeled as fruit-flavored disposable products containing nicotine. Nicotine products (84%) were primarily nicotine-salt formulations with an average of 3% nicotine, and most contained synthetic coolants. The prevalence of cannabinoid vapes (15%) remained constant between 2023-24 and 2024-25, though total cannabinoid concentration (6-77% w/w) increased. Ethanol continued to be detectable (>1% v/v) in a small proportion of products. Yeast, mold, aerobic count, and coliform at or above the United States Pharmacopoeia thresholds were identified in some of the nicotine e-liquids and cannabinoid concentrates, as well as their respective aerosols. Additionally, 18 of the disposable vapes were dual-chamber devices. Discussion/Conclusion: Results suggest that Virginia adolescents continue to have access to unregulated vaping products despite state and federal regulations. E-liquid formulations containing nicotine salt, synthetic coolants, and flavoring chemicals decrease the harsh sensory effects traditionally associated with nicotine inhalation, potentially facilitating initiation and dependence among youth. The identification of increasing cannabinoid concentrations, dual-chamber devices, and microbiologicals in vapes present new concerns for health and safety.
Exclusive and Polysubstance Use Associations with Mental Health and Social Support Among Undergraduate Students
Norhan Botrous*, Sama Monjazeb*
Introduction: Though substance use is highly correlated with mental health and social support, there is more limited data regarding these relationships with polysubstance use. This secondary analysis aimed to explore associations between exclusive and polysubstance use, mental health symptoms, and social support. Methods: In Spring 2025, undergraduates at a large Central Virginia university (n=336) completed an online survey. Participants reported demographics, past 30-day alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use, mental health symptoms (DASS-21), and perceived social support. Individuals were grouped by substance use behaviors (no substances, alcohol-only, alcohol+cannabis, alcohol+tobacco, all three substances). Due to limited sample size, cannabis-only, tobacco-only, and cannabis+tobacco groups (n=20) were excluded. ANOVA and t-tests compared mental health and social support between groups. Correlations between mental health symptoms and social support were assessed. Results: Participants were on average 20.2 years old, 81.8% female, 30.1% White, 24.7% Black/African American, and 14% Asian (remainder identified as other groups). Alcohol-only use was most prevalent (21.5%) followed by use of all three substances (14.0%), alcohol+tobacco (12.2%), and alcohol+cannabis (9.0%). The highest depression and stress symptoms were observed for those who used alcohol+cannabis and/or tobacco which were significantly higher than those using no substances or alcohol-only (ps<.05). For anxiety symptoms, use of alcohol+tobacco or all three substances was associated with the highest levels which were significantly higher than those using no substances or alcohol-only (ps<.05). Social support did not differ significantly between groups, but mental health symptoms were negatively correlated with social support (rs=-0.26 to -0.29; ps<.001). Conclusions: Findings highlight the prevalence of polysubstance use among undergraduates and associated mental health symptoms. Substance use prevention and intervention efforts should leverage protective social factors and provide mental health support.
Risk Drinking Levels During Pregnancy: Associations Across SAMHSA Recovery Domains
Amber R. Green(1), Nicole Boss(2,3), Kevin Xu(4,5), Caitlin E. Martin(1,3)
Introduction: No level of alcohol use is recommended during pregnancy, yet some continue to drink and women with alcohol use disorder (AUD) require targeted support. Reduced drinking relates to better outcomes in non-pregnant people, though no studies have examined how reductions during pregnancy relate across recovery domains. This study examined associations between WHO drinking risk levels across SAMSHA domains among pregnant women. Methods: This analysis from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health included women reporting current pregnancy. Average daily alcohol consumption in the past 30 days was coded into WHO drinking risk levels (none: 0 drinks; low: 1-1.4 drinks; moderate: >1.4-2.9 drinks; high: >2.9-4.3; very high: >4.3 drinks). Hierarchical linear regression models assessed associations of drinking risk across the SAMHSA recovery domains: number of emergency room (ER) visits (Health), difficulty participating in social activities (Community), difficulty completing household responsibilities (Home), and functional impairment (Purpose). Models included age, race, sexual identity, education level, and employment. Results: The sample (n=2,051) was 26-34 years old (43.8%), 55.3% White, 85.4% heterosexual, and 60.9% had some college. Decreased alcohol use was a significant predictor of fewer ER visits (β=.140, p=.031) and less difficulty completing household responsibilities (β=.099, p=.042). Drinking risk levels were not a significant predictor for functional impairment (p=.074) or social activities (p=.17) models. Sexual identity was a significant predictor in all models (p<.001). Conclusions: Abstinence during pregnancy is the safest o
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