INTRODUCTION Tobacco smoking has reached an alarming rate among the young Palestinian population, specifically university students. Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, are an emerging hazard in the West Bank. However, the epidemiology of e-cigarette smoking among Palestinians is poorly described. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, motivation, dependence, and readiness to quit e-cigarette smoking among male university students. METHODS In 2022, face-to-face interviews were conducted in a cross-sectional study that included male students from the largest public universities north of the West Bank. The Fagerström test was used to determine dependence on e-cigarette smoking. In addition, a Ladder contemplation scale was used to assess the readiness to quit smoking. Finally, adjusted binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between e-cigarettes and other tobacco forms. RESULTS A total of 548 students agreed to participate, and 20 were excluded. Most e-cigarette smokers (71.4%) had low dependence on e-cigarette smoking, while 17.1% and 11.4% had moderate and high dependence, respectively. Moreover, 58.6% were ready to quit, and 42.9% tried quitting smoking for several days to a month. E-cigarette smoking was associated with cigarette smoking (AOR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.18–3.95, p=0.013), waterpipe smoking (AOR=4.31; 95% CI: 2.44–7.61, p<0.001), and energy drink use (AOR=2.80; 95% CI: 1.43–5.48, p=0.003). E-cigarette smokers believed that e-cigarettes tasted better (68.6%), cheaper (37.1%), less harmful (28.6%), and more refined than traditional cigarettes (27.8%). CONCLUSIONS Because of its alluring flavors and perceived lack of harmful health effects, e-cigarette smoking has grown popular among Palestinian university students. E-cigarette smokers were also cigarette and waterpipe smokers, and energy drink consumers. We recommend cessation programs for students willing to quit and provide better education regarding e-cigarette smoking and its health effects

Title

population medicine

Publisher

POPMED

Publisher Country

Palestine

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

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