Medical Student Vaping Study
Electronic cigarette use reaches a lifetime prevalence of 28.8% among undergraduate medical students, according to a cross-sectional study published in Cureus.
The research evaluated 496 students enrolled from the first to the twelfth semester at a medical school in southeastern Brazil. Data collection ran from July to September 2025 using an electronic questionnaire.
While 99.4% of participants recognized that electronic cigarettes contain nicotine and carry health risks, regular use persists among a small segment. Current regular use stands at 4.4%, with occasional use reported by 74.8% of lifetime users.
Male sex, household tobacco exposure, and the stage of medical training associate with e-cigarette use. Preclinical students exhibit a higher frequency of current regular use, while interns show a higher frequency of never-users.
Social settings trigger vaping initiation
Most users do not own their own devices. Instead, 76.9% report borrowing or sharing electronic cigarettes with friends.
Initiation happens overwhelmingly in social environments. Parties and social events account for 92.3% of first uses, while 52.4% of users link their initial experience to gatherings with friends.
Academic pressure also correlates with heavier consumption patterns. Among users, 60.8% report increased vaping during demanding academic periods, specifically pointing to the end of semesters and the days leading up to examinations.
Alcohol consumption frequently accompanies device use. While many users consume alcohol, some report concurrent use, and others note an increased desire to use electronic cigarettes after drinking.
Cessation Interest Among Users
Despite ongoing habits, a large majority of student users express a desire to stop. A total of 73.4% report making at least one quit attempt, and 83.2% state an interest in cessation.
The authors note that institutional strategies must go beyond basic risk awareness. Comprehensive prevention programs should incorporate stress management and structured smoking cessation support for students.
Common Questions About the Medical Student Vaping Research
What was the overall sample size of the study?
The study surveyed 496 undergraduate medical students out of approximately 800 eligible enrollees at a single institution in southeastern Brazil.
How many students reported current regular use?
Current regular use—defined as using a device at least once a week over the past four weeks—was reported by 22 participants, or 4.4% of the total sample.
Did mental health diagnoses affect vaping rates?
Bivariate analysis found no statistically significant association between electronic cigarette use and physician-diagnosed mental disorders, though anxiety, ADHD, and depression were tracked across the cohort.
What percentage of participants recognized health risks?
Nearly all respondents, specifically 99.4%, recognized that electronic cigarettes contain nicotine and present documented dangers to human health.
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