Electronic cigarette awareness and use among students at the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) awareness and experimentation among university students, as well as the characteristics associated with that awareness. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2015, in which 489 university students at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (Cuiabá campus), Brazil, were interviewed with the use of a specific questionnaire. We estimated the prevalence of e-cigarette awareness and use, as well as analyzing the major characteristics associated with that awareness and use. Results: The prevalence of e-cigarette awareness was 37%, and the rate of e-cigarette experimentation was 2.7%. Awareness of e-cigarettes was found to be associated with marital status, work status, the level of parental education, and the presence or absence of smokers in the family. Conclusions: A high proportion of university students were aware of e-cigarettes. Although the prevalence of those who had experimented with e-cigarettes was low, there is concern that there could be an increase in the use of these types of device. There is a need for measures targeting university students, in order to build awareness of and prevent e-cigarette use.

Global youth vaping and respiratory health: epidemiology, interventions, and policies

“…However, more studies are needed in this region to better ascertain the prevalence of use and changes over time. Data from South America are further limited, but older studies in Brazil (2015) indicate that 2.1% had ever tried e-cigarettes 22 . Additionally, there was a reported rise in prevalence of teenage e-cigarette usage in Argentina between 2014 and 2015 of 5.2% 23 .…”

Aspectos associados ao tabagismo e os efeitos sobre a saúde

“…Houve associação linear e inversamente proporcional em relação à idade do estudante, ou seja, quanto mais jovem é o estudante, maior é a chance de conhecer o dispositivo eletrônico. Além disso, o conhecimento do CE associou-se à maior nível de escolaridade dos pais, visto que, em 40,4%, o pai possuía nível superior e, em 47,8%, a mãe possuía tal graduação (Oliveira et al, 2018).…”

Tabagismo entre estudantes de Medicina das Faculdades Nova Esperança e Ciências Médicas da Paraíba

“…O tabagismo vem aumentando a sua prevalência em jovens de 15 a 24 anos, em destaque no público masculino (Oliveira & Silva, 2022). Além disso, foi observado em um estudo sobre a concientização e uso de dispositivos eletrônico entre estudantes da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso que o estado civil, situação profissional, nível de escolaridade dos pais e presença ou ausência de fumantes na família está significativamente associado ao conhecimento e consumo desses dispositivos (Oliveira et al, 2018).…”