Electronic Smoking Prevalence and Awareness among Al-Nahrain Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Smoking is a significant global cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, resulting in six million deaths worldwide each year. Electronic cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents and young adults globally. Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of electronic smoking and awareness among Al-Nahrain undergraduate medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. Data were collected during March and April, 2022. A total of 474 undergraduate students completed a modified standard questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-26. Results: The prevalence of electronic smoking was found to be 12% of the total sample. Of the students surveyed, 350 (73.8%) were aware of electronic cigarettes. A significant association was observed (P-Value < 0.05) between smoking and being male, having history of smoking among friends or relatives, and a lack of awareness that electronic cigarettes are similar traditional cigarette smoking. Conclusions: More than one-tenth of the sample reported history of electronic smoking, and they were generally aware of most information regarding it. The usage is a significant public health issue; therefore, it is crucial to implement strict laws and policies to minimize the sale of these products to the younger population. Health promotion strategies should be developed to reduce the usage of electronic cigarettes.