Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Associated Factors Among Public High School Students in Vietnam

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of electronic cigarette use (e-cigarette) and identify its associated factors among public high school students in Da Nang City, Vietnam.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 22 public high schools, involving 2504 students from grades 10-12. Students were selected using multistage cluster random sampling. Self-reported e-cigarette use was collected using the Global School-based Student Health Survey Questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine predictors of e-cigarette use.

Of the 2504 students, 6.1% reported current e-cigarette use, with 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.2 to 7.1% (boys: 9.1%, 95% CI: 7.5-10.7; girls: 3.3%, 95% CI: 2.3-4.3). Peer and parental smoking was a key driver, with significant associations with e-cigarette use (Odd ratio, OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 2.34 - 5.38; 3.87, 95% CI: 2.66 - 5.63, respectively). In addition, being boy (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.87 - 4.03), in the 11th-grade status (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.31 - 3.12), having low academic achievement (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.39 - 5.99); and currently smoking cigarette (OR = 7.68, 95% CI: 3.55 - 16.58) were also significantly associated with e-cigarette use.

E-cigarette use is of growing concern among high school students in Da Nang. Current cigarette smoking, particularly influenced by peers and family, is the primary factor driving e-cigarette use. Intervention programs should prioritize reducing cigarette smoking to effectively prevent e-cigarette use among high school students.