E-Cigarette Use Among University Students: A Structured Literature Review of Health Risks, Behavioral and Social...

Background/Objectives: E-cigarette use has increased substantially among university students in recent years, coinciding with a broader shift in nicotine consumption patterns globally. Despite initial perceptions of e-cigarettes as harm-reduction tools, growing evidence indicates significant health risks, misinformation, and limited awareness-especially within higher education environments. This structured literature review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on the health impacts, behavioral determinants, and the role of nursing in addressing e-cigarette use among university students. Methods: A literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, Dialnet) between February and March 2025. Eligible studies were published between January 2020 and January 2025 in English or Spanish. A total of 43 studies were included. Data were synthesized narratively, and methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Reviews Articles. Results: E-cigarette use among university students showed wide variability in prevalence, with higher rates among males, students in non-health disciplines, and users of disposable devices. Key behavioral and social determinants included peer influence, curiosity, stress management, and social media exposure. Despite documented health risks-such as nicotine dependence, respiratory and cardiovascular impairment, and mental health concerns-misconceptions about safety and cessation efficacy were common, even among health science students. Nursing-led interventions hold great potential for prevention but remain underdeveloped within university settings. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for evidence-based prevention strategies-particularly those led by nurses-to reduce e-cigarette use, bridge knowledge gaps, and mitigate associated health risks in higher education. Future efforts should prioritize institutional policy reinforcement, improved health communication, and the integration of vaping-related education into nursing curricula and public health campaigns targeting emerging adults.