Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude toward E-cigarette Among Nursing Student at Private Sector University

Abstract

Background: E-cigarette use has become increasingly common among young adults, while misconceptions regarding their health effects, addictive potential, and safety continue to exist. Nursing students are future healthcare professionals who can play an important role in educating individuals about the risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Aim: To assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward e-cigarettes among nursing students at a private-sector university.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 BSN Generic nursing students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes toward e-cigarettes. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the findings.

Results: Most participants were male (72.8%) and aged 21–24 years. The majority (76.6%) had heard about e-cigarettes. Knowledge regarding specific issues was limited, with 45.6% recognizing their addictive potential, 51.3% recognizing that they can contain nicotine, and 68.4% being unsure about government regulations. Ever use of e-cigarettes was reported by 13.3% of participants, including 5.1% current users and 8.2% former users. Regarding attitudes, 48.7% agreed or strongly agreed that using e-cigarettes is fun, whereas 51.3% disagreed or strongly disagreed that e-cigarettes improve one's image.

Conclusion: Nursing students demonstrated relatively high general awareness but important gaps in specific knowledge and mixed attitudes toward e-cigarettes. Evidence-based educational programs should be incorporated into nursing curricula.