UM ESTUDO SOBRE A MOTIVAÇÃO PARA O USO DE CIGARRO ELETRÔNICO EM MOMENTOS DE ANSIEDADE

Contrary to what many believe, the use of electronic smoking devices is just as harmful as conventional cigarettes. Due to the ease of access, the internet, and social media, young students are the group most exposed to these products. These devices are battery-operated and allow the inhalation of an aerosol composed of chemical substances such as nicotine, often combined with flavors and aromas. This study addresses the motivations of individuals with anxiety disorders who seek relief through the use of electronic cigarettes. The objective was to analyze the relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and the presence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as a triggering factor in the population. This is a crosssectional, descriptive, and exploratory qualitative study that used the “Snowball” method to recruit participants aged 18 to 45 years, residing in the city of Maringá. Data were collected through a validated online questionnaire with objective questions. The results showed that 59.3% of respondents reported a diagnosis of anxiety, and 62.9% reported using electronic cigarettes during moments of anxiety. In addition, 42.9% reported the use of medication without medical prescription, and 70.3% associated the use of these devices with alcohol consumption. In conclusion, the use of electronic smoking devices is strongly associated with anxiety, especially among young people, representing an emerging public health problem that requires preventive, educational, and therapeutic measures.