E-cigarette use and knowledge of its effect on oral health among health sciences students in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has become more common among younger age groups around the world. Health concerns, including oral health effects have been reported. Objective: This research aimed to assess prevalence of e-cigarette use and knowledge of oral health effects among young university students in Trinidad and Tobago and implications for oral health promotion. Methods: A sample of 193 students, >18 years old, consisting of health sciences students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, the University of the West Indies. Participants completed an online self-administered questionnaire including demographics, e-cigarette use habits and effect on oral health. Results: The majority were female participation (75.1%). Age range of participants was 19 to 25-years-old, mean age 22 years old. 15% of participants currently used e-cigarettes. Most participants believed that e-cigarette use affects health (97.9%), is possibly addictive (91.2%), delivers nicotine (87%) and contains chemicals (87.6%). 51.3% believed that e-cigarette use, related to tooth decay and 58.5% gum disease. 44% of participants were not familiar with research on e-cigarette use and its effects on oral health. Most participants thought the information on e-cigarettes was important (78.3%) and (71.5%) would speak to a dentist about its effects on oral health. 76% of participants indicated willingness to quit e-cigarette use if adverse oral health effects were understood. Conclusion: Among this sample of health sciences students, e-cigarette use was low. There was limited knowledge of its effects on oral health. Adverse effects of e-cigarette use on oral health should be included in oral health promotion initiatives.