Knowledge of the harmful effects of manufactured, straw, and electronic cigarettes among medical students

Abstract

Objective: To analyze smoking throughout the medical course. Methods: This was an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study in which 70 students participated via a convenience sample. Data were collected using an online questionnaire after acceptance of the Informed Consent Form. The data were processed using JAMOVI software, where t-Test, Fisher and Chi-square statistical tests were performed, with a statistical significance level of p<0.05. Results: Among the responses, there was a significant difference in current age and the number of ex-smokers between the 1st and 5th-year groups (representing 75.7% of responses), with a significant difference in the degree of dependence: low for 1 student in the 1st year and 3 in the 5th; and medium for 2 in the 5th year, compared to a general average of very low dependence (2.28) on the Fagerström Test. There was a subtle difference in knowledge between them, with no significant difference regarding the type of cigarette used. Motivation showed subtle differences, such as fun, friends who smoke, and curiosity, but without correlation between social acceptance and professional affirmation. Conclusion: Dependence can worsen during the undergraduate course, even with information, requiring universities to implement psychosocial support approaches to protect their students.