Electronic cigarette use and perceptions amongst UK medical students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) have become an established smoking cessation aid in the UK and are endorsed by Public Health England as significantly safer than tobacco. As future clinicians, undergraduate medical students need to be equipped with appropriate knowledge and feel empowered to contribute to tobacco reduction efforts. Little is known about UK medical students’ experience, knowledge and perceptions about ECs.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study to assess usage and beliefs regarding ECs. A 20-item questionnaire was distributed to students attending 9 UK medical schools using an online survey platform between 5thDecember 2019 and 6th February 2020.

Results: We received responses from 188 medical students (65.4% female, mean age 21 ± SD 0.197) of whom 1.6% were regular tobacco smokers and 5.3% regular EC users. 90% believed ECs are useful in reducing tobacco consumption and 56% said they would recommend them to patients for this purpose. However, 61% did not feel confident advising patients about ECs. 93% considered ECs to be harmful with respiratory disease the most commonly raised concern.

Conclusion: Most medical students believe ECs are useful in supporting smoking cessation but many feel they do not receive sufficient teaching about EC at medical school and do not feel confident advising patients. Medical schools should consider reviewing their curricula to equip and empower medical students to meaningfully contribute to smoking cessation efforts in the future.