Misinformation and high prevalence of electronic cigarette use among university students: A cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i8.49404Keywords:
Electronic Cigarettes, University Students, Health Education.Abstract
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge among university students regarding electronic cigarettes and to investigate associations with factors such as age, gender, field of study, smoking status, and opinions on their legalization in Brazil. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 university students through a structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic profile, use of electronic cigarettes, sources of information, risk perception, and knowledge level. Statistical analyses were performed with a 5% significance level. Results: Among participants, 70.2% had tried and 39.4% currently use electronic cigarettes. Only 11.5% reported a high level of knowledge about these devices. Social media was the main source of information (60.6%). Significant associations were found between field of study and knowledge, use and oral health, and smoking status and opinion on legalization. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of use and misinformation about the risks of electronic cigarettes, emphasizing the need for educational strategies to raise awareness in the university environment.
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