Perceptions, knowledge, and use of electronic cigarettes among health science students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge about electronic cigarettes (ECs) among university students in health-related fields. This was a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample conducted at a philanthropic university located in the capital of the state of Goiás, Brazil, involving students from the physiotherapy, nursing, nutrition, speech therapy, and psychology programs. A questionnaire on knowledge about electronic cigarettes was applied, based on validated instruments (Global Health Professional Students Survey and Global Youth Tobacco Survey). The sample consisted of 154 students, with a mean age of 22.1 ± 7.2 years, of whom 29 (18.8%) were male and 125 (81.2%) were female. Approximately half of the university students reported using ECs (50.6%); 34.4% identified as current or former users, 55.8% had tried ECs at least once (even just one or two puffs), and 19.5% had attempted to quit in the past year. Most students rated their level of knowledge about EC as average, 33.1% did not know whether electronic cigarettes are more harmful than conventional cigarettes, and 24.6% believed that EC do not contain carcinogenic substances.  Students demonstrated low to moderate self-perceived knowledge. There was a lack of understanding regarding the components present in ECs, including nicotine and carcinogenic substances, as well as university regulations, passive smoking, and comparisons between electronic and conventional cigarettes