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

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has risen dramatically since its introduction in 2004. Nurses play a critical role in screening, disease prevention and smoking cessation for their patient. Their knowledge and attitude related to e-cigarettes will play a major part in development of tobacco control activities. AIM: Thus, this study was conducted to determine the knowledge and attitude toward 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 but had poor knowledge on e-cigarettes. Furthermore, in terms of attitude the students as an entire group had a positive attitude opposing e-cigarette use. Never and former smokers had positive attitude opposing e-cigarette use while current smokers had negative 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 a positive attitude opposing e-cigarette use. Poor knowledge did not influence the attitude of participants towards e-cigarettes.