Electronic cigarette: perception of knowledge of university students and associated factors

PREVALENCIA AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of electronic cigarettes (EC) has increased because it is considered less aggressive than traditional cigarettes. However, knowledge about this device is still precarious. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of perceived knowledge of EC and the association with predictors. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study, with a probabilistic sample of undergraduate students at the University Center of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, in the second semester of 2022. The dependent variable referred to the perception of EC knowledge. The independent variables referred to sociodemographic, labor, and behavioral factors. Data collection was carried out at the institution, by researchers, after authorization from the institution and approval from the ethics committee. The association between variables and the prevalence of unawareness of EC was verified by bivariate analysis followed by Poisson regression, with robust variance. Results: We interviewed 730 undergraduate students with a mean age of 22.56 (±6.25). Of these, 41.8% were unaware of EC, and it remained associated with academics enrolled in human subjects (PR= 1.32 C 95%1.12-1.56). Parents who used EC (RP= 0.80 95% CI (0.64-0.99), and if offered EC (RP= 0.42 95% CI (0.29-0.60), were considered protective factors. Conclusion: There was a high lack of knowledge about EC associated with stroke, pointing to the need for educational interventions that highlight the possible harm of the consumption of this device.