Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding E-cigarette use among Undergraduate Medical Students at a Tertiary-care...

Despite increasing e-cigarette use among young adults, data on medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) remain limited. This study assessed KAP regarding e-cigarettes and examined the influence of sociodemographic factors on their use.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 MBBS students at RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur. A validated 37-item questionnaire assessed sociodemographic details and KAP. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. Subgroup analysis compared ever-users and never-users.

Among ever-users, the majority were male (74%) and aged 19-23 years (78%). Knowledge gaps were evident, with 23% unaware of e-cigarette types and 63% perceiving them as less harmful than conventional cigarettes. While most participants recognized nicotine-related harms (91%), awareness of regulatory measures was lower, including the national ban (61.6%) and prior taxation (57.5%). Over half (58.9%) considered e-cigarettes not cost-effective. Ever-users demonstrated relatively more favorable attitudes (43.8%); however, most rejected perceived social benefits (75.3%) and supported regulatory bans (56.2%). Overall use was low, with 76.5% reporting no lifetime use; among ever-users, occasional use predominated (43%).

Medical students displayed partial awareness and permissive attitudes, but ever-users showed inconsistent cessation behaviors. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and structured cessation support to address rising e-cigarette use in this vulnerable group.