An empirical quantitative research study examining the health-related behaviours and knowledge of university students’ (18-30 years) towards e-cigarettes in the UK

Abstract

Background: This research investigates what university students in the UK (aged 18-30) think and know about e-cigarettes and how they affect health. The goal of the study was to find out how much students know about e-cigarettes, how they feel about them, and if they perceive e-cigarettes as a way to stop smoking. 

Methods: A survey was sent out online to 103 students studying different subjects and at different academic levels.  

Results: The results show that 90% of people know about e-cigarettes, but levels of knowledge vary. Among them, 34% know a lot, 24% know some, 27% know a little, and 15% do not know at all. Almost half (46%) think e-cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes, while 31% think they are not as harmful and 15% think they are worse. Also, 63% think e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking, but 37% disagree. More females (52%) than males (38%) took part in the study, and the most common age group was 21-23 years old (33%). Postgraduate students made up the biggest educational group at 32%.  

Conclusion: The research shows that better educational programs are needed to counteract misunderstandings about e-cigarettes and make public health messages clearer. In the future, researchers need to explore the impact of school programs and how students feel about the health impacts of e-cigarettes.