Factors Affecting the Use of Electronic Cigarettes among University Students in Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of electronic cigarette (E-cigarette) use among youth has become a
significant public health concern worldwide. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with
E-cigarette use and to investigate the prevalence of E-cigarette use among students at Mahasarakham Rajabhat
University. This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among 1,039 students, with data collected
in June 2024 through an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and
presented with adjusted odds ratios (ORadj), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-value. The results
showed that factors significantly associated with E-cigarette use (p<0.05) include GPAX <2.5 (ORadj=1.87;
95%CI=1.06-3.30), family members who use E-cigarettes (ORadj=2.60; 95%CI=1.77-3.81), close
friends who use E-cigarettes (ORadj=4.51; 95%CI=3.03-6.73), exposure to E-cigarette advertisements
(ORadj=1.63; 95%CI=1.01-2.63), cigarette smoking (ORadj=4.35; 95%CI=2.97-6.37), alcohol
consumption (ORadj=3.98; 95%CI=2.19-7.24), substance use (ORadj=3.50; 95%CI=1.92-6.41), and
low or moderate awareness of E-cigarette risks (ORadj=1.77; 95%CI=1.14-2.75). The prevalence of
E-cigarette use in the past 12 months was 27.53% (286 students; 95%CI=24.89-30.32), indicating
a relatively high rate of E-cigarette use among university students. Therefore, there is a need for risk
communication and campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of E-cigarette use, particularly
among university students with a GPAX below 2.5, those who consume alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use
substances, and those surrounded by family and friends who use E-cigarettes. Additionally, there should
be strict policies regarding the sale of E-cigarettes, along with the enforcement of regulations to control
E-cigarette advertisements on social media and other platforms to prevent youth access to E-cigarettes.