Multidimensional analysis of conventional and electronic cigarette consumption among students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Cigarette consumption among university students is a significant public health concern.
• This includes both conventional and electronic nicotine products.
• Understanding the determinants of use is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychosocial, perceptual, and behavioral factors influencing cigarette use in university students.
• To identify patterns and motivations behind traditional and electronic cigarette consumption.
• To examine the role of psychological factors and theoretical frameworks in sustained nicotine use.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative, cross-sectional study design.
• Online questionnaire administered to 267 university students in Brașov, Romania.
• Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and ANOVA were used.

Main Results:

• Traditional cigarette initiation is linked to social influence; e-cigarette use is associated with appeal and flavor.
• Psychological factors like stress relief and social comfort correlate with continued nicotine use.
• Behavioral intention and self-efficacy play key roles in sustaining smoking behaviors, per established theories.

Conclusions:

• Smoking behavior in youth is complex, influenced by cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors.
• Findings support targeted interventions and integrated public health policies.
• Addressing both product regulation and psychosocial education is essential.