Profile of Brazilian Undergraduates Who Use Electronic Cigarettes: a Cross-Sectional Study on Forbidden Use

Abstract

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) persists in Brazil, despite restrictions on sales, imports, and advertising. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of e-cigarette use and user profiles among university students. This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 3083 university students (female = 2253, male = 830; M =26.1; SD =8.43) who completed an online survey. We employed logistic regression models and network analysis to determine the profile of e-cigarette users. The prevalence of e-cigarette use in the past year was 12.2% ( n =377). Men, single individuals, Caucasians, secular individuals, and non-heterosexual individuals were more likely to engage in e-cigarette use. Intense use of alcohol, tobacco products, and illicit drugs increased the likelihood of e-cigarette use. Brazilian college students continue to use electronic cigarettes despite the prohibition. The pattern of alcohol abuse and tobacco product use among e-cigarette users is concerning. These risky behaviors render young and highly educated individuals targets for public policies to control and regulate electronic cigarettes in the country.

Nicotine exposure increases PIK3CA, AKT1, HIF-1α, GLUT1, CA9 and VEGF expression in oral potentially malignant lesions

“…In recent years, there has been a rise in the utilization of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes), especially among younger people in Brazil, as an alternative to traditional cigarettes [25]. These devices pose a higher risk of inducing addiction in users compared to conventional cigarettes, potentially serving as a gateway to the use of traditional tobacco products [26,27].…”