Knowledge and attitude related to use of electronic cigarettes among undergraduate nursing students in an urban university setting in Philippines

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and attitude toward electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among undergraduate nursing students in the Philippines. Methods: The participants of the study were 122 level four nursing students of West Visayas State University, Iloilo city, Philippines. A standardized self – administered questionnaire was used to collect the data and statistical analyses were performed. Results: Majority of the participants were female, were never smokers and were aware or conscious of the existence of the e-cigarettes. The participants as an entire group and when grouped according to sex, socioeconomic status (Socialized Tuition Fee Assistance Program - STFAP), smoking status and awareness status had poor knowledge. Furthermore, in terms of attitude the students as an entire group had attitude opposing e-cigarette use. However, when grouped according to socioeconomic status (STFAP), participants belonging to Bracket 5,6 and 8 had attitude opposing e-cigarette use, while Bracket 7 and 9 had attitude supporting e-cigarette use. Never and former smokers had attitude opposing e-cigarette use while current smokers had attitude supporting e-cigarette use. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Nursing students did not have adequate knowledge regarding e-cigarettes but maintained an attitude opposing e-cigarette use. Poor knowledge did not influence the attitude of participants towards e-cigarettes