The Vaping Paradox: Motivations, Perceptions, and Patterns of E-Cigarette Use Among Medical Students and House Officers in Egypt

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is rising among health profession students, challenging the assumption that high health literacy is a protective factor against nicotine use. Understanding the motivations behind this trend is crucial for public health policy. Objective: To assess the prevalence, reasons for use, and perceived consequences of e-cigarette use among medical students and house officers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 144 current e-cigarette users recruited from the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Participants completed a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, vaping history, and the Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire (S-VCQ). Results: The mean age of participants was 21.6 years, with a male predominance (90.3%). The majority (over 65%) were former cigarette smokers. The two most cited reasons for vaping were "recreation" (reported by 61.1% of the total cohort) and "as a method to quit cigarette smoking" (57.6%). Academic stress was a major trigger, with "exams" identified as the primary circumstance increasing vaping consumption (49.3%). High nicotine concentration usage (+20 mg/ml) was common (54.2%). On the S-VCQ, participants scored highest on "Positive Reinforcement" (mean score ~7.28), indicating they perceive vaping as pleasurable and socially beneficial. Conclusion: A significant proportion of medical trainees use e-cigarettes as a harm-reduction strategy or stress-coping mechanism during exams. Despite their medical training, these students remain heavily dependent on nicotine. Medical curricula must address the specific "cessation paradox" and stress triggers driving vaping in this population