Prevalence of use and experimentation with electronic cigarettes by academics at a faculty of medicine in Tocantins

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of e-cigarette use and experimentation among medical students, as well as to investigate the factors influencing the use of these devices and the level of knowledge on the subject. Methods: A descriptive observational epidemiological study, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was conducted with students from the 1st to the 12th semester. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire containing sociodemographic variables, lifestyle habits, and characterization of e-cigarette use. Data were statistically analyzed to assess associations between variables using Binomial Logistic Regression. Results: The sample consisted of 151 regularly enrolled participants, predominantly females (60.3%), aged between 18 and 25 years (74.20%), single (82.8%), and heterosexual (88.1%). Nearly all participants (99.3%) had prior knowledge of e-cigarettes, primarily influenced by informal media. Gender was the only variable correlated with e-cigarette use, with men using e-cigarettes twice as often as women. Approximately 55% had experimented with e-cigarettes, 25% of whom were daily users, and 79.17% reported adverse effects, mainly of a respiratory nature. Conclusion: A high prevalence of e-cigarette use, particularly among males, was observed, underscoring the importance of formal education regarding the risks and the need for stricter regulations.