Attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions of E-cigarettes among students at the University of Dundee

Objective: To explore attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions of e-cigarettes among students at the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. Basic research design: A mixed-methods study approach combining an online questionnaire and focus groups. Clinical setting: University of Dundee campus environment. Participants: University of Dundee students aged 18 and older. Seventy-five participants completed the questionnaire, with five participants in-person focus groups. Interventions: No interventions applied; observational study only. Main outcome measures: E-cigarette awareness, usage patterns, visibility, perceptions of safety compared to traditional cigarettes, influence of flavours and packaging, attitudes towards public space usage, and environmental concerns. Results: Among participants, 99% were aware of e-cigarettes, with 37% reporting use. Demographics showed 40% aged 21-25, with 73% women and 24% men. Among focus group participants, 20% were current e-cigarette users, 20% had tried e-cigarettes, and 60% were non-smokers. E-cigarettes were highly visible to 75% of respondents, and 94% believed flavours and packaging influenced appeal. Most participants (76%) perceived e-cigarettes as safer than traditional cigarettes. Qualitative themes revealed addiction concerns, social influences, and uncertainty about long-term health effects. Conclusions: This study revealed complex attitudes towards e-cigarettes among university students, highlighting both their perceived benefits as smoking cessation aids and concerns about non-smoker appeal. Findings emphasise the need for comprehensive education, targeted policies, and research into long-term health and environmental impacts. Future studies should examine longitudinal effects, education intervention effectiveness, and environmental consequences of e-cigarette use.