Abstract
Background: There is a noticed increase in the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and adults. E-cigarettes, also called nicotine delivery systems, use battery power and heating elements to vaporise a nicotine-containing solution to be inhaled by the user. Hence, e-cigarettes are called vapours due to the inhalation and exhalation of vapours. The nicotine-containing solutions come in various flavours and nicotine content. E-cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative for smokers to inhale nicotine and as an aid in smoking cessation.
Aim: to assess awareness, attitude, and practice regarding E-cigarettes among students at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used including 668 students with age range 18 years or more at University of King Khalid. Abha. Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a pre-designed electronic questionnaire which was initiated by the researchers after intensive literature review and expert's consultation. Questionnaire included student's personal data, awareness regarding E-cigarettes, students' use of E-cigarettes, and source of students' information regarding E-cigarettes.
Results: The study included 668 students who completed the questionnaire at King Khalid University. Exactly 410 (61.4%) students were at non-medical colleges and 258 (38.6%) were from medical colleges. Male respondents were 500 (74.9%). Exactly 659 (98.7%) students had heard about E-cigarettes. Also, 410 (61.4%) students reported that E-cigarettes contain nicotine which is an addictive material. Being addictive, was reported by 417 (62.4%) students and 611 (91.5%) students know that E-cigarettes smoking is harmful. About 70 % of the students reported that they never used E-cigarettes ta all, 11.7% used in the past while 7.2% use it daily. The most reported source was family and friends (53%) followed by social media (51.9%).
Conclusions In conclusion, the current study revealed that half of the students were knowledgeable regarding E-cigarettes and their effect. Also, using E-cigarettes was not high (less than one fifth) especially among young female students.