Awareness of harmful effects of electronic smoking device use and attitudes of students from Veliko Tarnovo Affiliate of Varna Medical University
Information for nursing staff, 2026, 58(1),20-23.
Y. Markova-Dimitrova
Veliko Tarnovo Affiliate, Medical University “Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov” – Varna
Abstract. Introduction: The launch of electronic cigarettes on the market quickly attracted the attention of young people. They are considered to be “healthier” than traditional cigarettes. It is assumed that their use would lead to quitting smoking. Multiple studies have shown that they contain carcinogenic substances and heavy metals, resulting in addiction and the development of various diseases. Aim: To investigate the awareness of the harmful effects of electronic smoking devices and attitudes towards their use among students from the Nursing and Midwifery majors at the Veliko Tarnovo Affiliate, Varna Medical University. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on the awareness of the harmful effects of electronic smoking device use and the attitudes of 51 students from the Veliko Tarnovo Affiliate, Varna Medical University, aged 19 to 30. The following methods were used: sociological survey (anonymous questionnaire) and graphical presentation of the results. Results and Discussion: 76.5% of participants were nursing students and 23.5% were midwifery students. Among the 51 respondents, 27 (52.9%) reported that they smoke, 20 (39.2%) do not smoke, and 4 (7.8%) smoke occasionally. Traditional cigarettes are used by 35.3% (n = 18) of the students, 15.7% (n = 8) use electronic cigarettes, and only one student uses a vape. A significant portion of respondents have a positive attitude toward electronic cigarettes and are well-informed about the risks associated with their use. Conclusion: The awareness of future healthcare professionals does not translate into behavior aiming to avoid the harmful components of electronic cigarettes and does not lead to changes in social behavior. There is a need of measures targeting young people to raise awareness and prevent the use of electronic devices.
Key words: electronic cigarettes, sociological research, students
Address for correspondence: Yanka Markova-Dimitrova, e-mail: markova70@abv.bg