Study On the Consumption of Electronic Cigarettes in University Students in El Salvador, Period 2023

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the consumption of electronic cigarettes in university students in El Salvador. Theoretical framework: Electronic cigarettes heat a liquid that allows them to generate aerosol and be inhaled by their consumers. The liquid used for these devices contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a cross-sectional design with a descriptive approach. The study subjects were university students distributed in 14 private universities in El Salvador with a sample of 1,569 students. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire directed to the students who completed it individually. Results and Discussion: The consumption of electronic cigarettes in the last 30 days was 5.9%, it was found that men consume more than women (3.1% and 2.9% respectively). The days with the most frequency of consumption were one and two days. Other authors found a lower prevalence of consumption, which was 2.5%. In Chile, consumption in the last month was low at 1.1% and in New Zealand it was 1% Research Implications: The results may be applied or influence practices in the field of e-cigarette or vaping research at the primary and secondary level. Originality/Value: The data obtained in this research suggests that these products are having a rapid dissemination among young university students in the country, which makes it necessary to carry out a campaign to stop this scourge that affects them.