Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Electronic Cigarettes and Prevalence of Electronic Cigarette Use Among Medical Students in Casablanca, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The use of electronic cigarettes is increasing worldwide, especially among adolescents and young adults. Medical students attitudes are likely unique and may be important to explore.
Aim : The objectives of this study were to describe Moroccan medical students knowledge and attitudes toward electronic cigarettes, to estimate the prevalence of electronic cigarettes use among them, and to identify factors associated with this practice.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year 2020-2021, including all medical students enrolled at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca.
Results: Among the 491 participants, the mean age was 21.0±2.3 years and the female/male ratio was 1.94. The prevalence of lifetime electronic cigarettes use was 20.2% [16.6%; 23.7%]. Being a male (p<0.001), smoking tobacco (p<0.001), having a family member or close friend who uses
e-cigarettes (p<0.001), and having a family member or close friend who uses traditional cigarettes (p<0.001) were significantly associated with electronic cigarettes use. Electronic cigarettes use was significantly associated with beliefs that they are an effective way to quit smoking (p=0.025), that they are more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (p=0.009), that they do not contain carcinogens (p=0.025), that vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco (p=0.009), and that the consequences of vaping are less serious than smoking tobacco (p=0.033).
Conclusion : Incorporating courses on the dangers of e-cigarettes into the medical curriculum may improve students cessation outcomes and their competencies in tobacco and e-cigarette cessation counseling.