Traditional and Electronic Cigarette Usage Patterns, Dependence, and Perceptions Among Ajman University Students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• Rising nicotine use among youth, particularly with e-cigarettes.
• Concerns about e-cigarette and traditional cigarette use patterns, dependence, and perceptions in young populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate nicotine use patterns, dependence, and perceptions among university students.
• Compare dependence levels between e-cigarette and traditional cigarette users.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of 1713 university students in the MENA region.
• Quantified dependence using Cigarette Dependence Scale (CDS-12) and Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-ECDI).

Main Results:

• 18.9% current nicotine product users (12.7% e-cigarettes, 5.1% traditional cigarettes).
• Male gender associated with higher nicotine use (OR 4.14), but no gender difference in dependence scores.
• Dual use and earlier onset linked to higher dependence; cigarettes and e-cigarettes perceived as equally harmful.

Conclusions:

• Prevalence of both cigarette and e-cigarette use associated with significant nicotine dependence.
• E-cigarettes may sustain nicotine dependence, not facilitate cessation.
• Need for youth-focused cessation programs, stricter regulations, and longitudinal studies in the MENA region.