Awareness of Long-term Health Implications of E-Cigarette Use Among College Students

Background and Purpose: This study explores the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, and examines its associated health risks, including lung and cardiovascular injuries. The primary objective was to evaluate college students’ awareness of the long-term health implications of e-cigarette use and the factors influencing their awareness. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, during the ۲۰۲۳-۲۰۲۴ academic year. Using a stratified random sampling method, ۲۰۴ college students aged ۱۸-۲۲ were selected from different year levels. Data were collected using a validated researcher-made ۱۹-item questionnaire, which assessed the awareness of the long-term health implications of e-cigarette use. The questionnaire included demographic information and awareness-related questions measured on a ۴-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test, were performed to examine differences in awareness based on variables such as sex, peer influence, media information, and smoking status. Results: The study found no significant differences in awareness levels based on sex, peer influence, media information, or smoking status. The t-test results indicated no notable disparity in awareness between male and female students (P=۰.۸۸۹). ANOVA results showed that peer influence (P=۰.۱۷۶) and media information sources (P=۰.۳۸۱) did not significantly affect awareness. Additionally, prior tobacco smoking (P=۰.۴۹۵) and current e-cigarette use (P=۰.۵۱۶, ns) did not impact awareness levels. Conclusion: College students generally demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the long-term negative health effects of e-cigarette use, irrespective of sex, peer influence, media information, or smoking status. The study underscores the importance of ongoing educational initiatives to sustain and further enhance awareness within this demographic.

کلیدواژه ها:

E-cigarettes ، Health awareness ، College students ، Long-term health effects ، Descriptive correlational study