Prevalence, perceptions, and beliefs of university students about electronic cigarettes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of electronic cigarette use and to explore the perceptions and beliefs of university students regarding their use. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 437 students from higher education institutions of Guanambi, Bahia. A questionnaire based on five previous studies on electronic cigarette perceptions among students was applied, consisting of 25 questions addressing student characteristics, knowledge, and experimentation with electronic cigarettes. Bivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between electronic cigarette use, age, perceptions, and beliefs, using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence of electronic cigarette use was 39.2%, with no statistically significant difference between genders. The age of initiation was related to the places of use, predominantly parties and socialization environments. Individuals who used electronic cigarettes believed that they were more socially acceptable than conventional cigarettes and viewed them as a tool for smoking cessation. CONCLUSION: The results indicate a significant prevalence of electronic cigarette use among university students, with varied perceptions of its risks and benefits.