Investigating the Attitudes Towards E-Cigarettes Among Young Adults Who Smoke Traditional Cigarettes

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes towards e-cigarettes among young adults who smoke traditional cigarettes. Method: This is a cross-sectional field study conducted face to face. After demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded, the e-cigarette attitude survey, prepared based on the literature, was applied. In addition, traditional cigarette consumption (pack.years) and education level were asked and recorded. The survey prepared as 5-point Likert type for each question, and high scores indicate a positive attitude towards e-cigarettes. Participants' body mass indexes were calculated using the body weight/height2 formula and recorded. Participants undergoing smoking cessation treatment, those with any ongoing lung infection, or those with a history of any heart and/or lung disease were excluded from the study. Results: Forty-three young adults aged 18-24 were included in this study. The mean score for each item exceeded 1. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between attitude towards e-cigarettes and traditional smoking consumption (r=0.400, p=0.008). There was a significant negative correlation between attitude towards e-cigarettes and educational level (r= –0.344, p=0.024). Conclusion: Our study indicate that young adults hold positive attitudes toward e-cigarettes, perceiving them as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. These findings underscore the urgent need for educational interventions to raise awareness about the potential harms of e-cigarettes and to challenge the perception that they are harmless among young adults.