Awareness and Perception of Nicotine Pouches and E-Cigarettes among Dental Students in Lahore

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was therefore, to assess the awareness and perception of dental students regarding these products, which are rapidly being marketed in Pakistan. Methods: The study was cross-sectional, close-ended questionnaire based and helped the investigators to compare the awareness and perception of dental students regarding nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes. Students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final year of nine dental colleges in Lahore city were targeted to fill the questionnaire via convenience sampling and Microsoft Excel was used to analyze the results obtained. Results: More than 70% of the participants were aware of nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes. However, very few participants had ever used them. Almost 1/3rd of the participants believed that both nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes are less harmful and less addictive than regular cigarettes and can help quit smoking. Conclusion: Generally, people were better aware of e-cigarettes and considered them less harmful and less addictive compared to NPs while NPs were considered as a better alternative to help quit smoking. Keywords: Nicotine pouches, E-cigarettes, new nicotine products, awareness, perception