Resumen

ACOSTA, Fátima Ynés Bogado et al. Frequency and patterns of e-cigarette use among university students in Paraguay. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2025, vol.23, n.1, e23122503.  Epub 30-Jun-2025. ISSN 1812-9528.  https://doi.org/10.18004/mem.iics/1812-9528/2025.e23122503.

This study aimed to determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) among university students in the city of Encarnación, Paraguay. A total of 373 students were surveyed using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), developed by the World Health Organization. The questionnaire assessed their knowledge of health risks associated with tobacco use, their attitudes toward quitting smoking, and their current practices regarding electronic cigarette consumption. The results showed that 39.3% of the students used electronic cigarettes, with higher prevalence among women and older participants. Although most demonstrated a high level of knowledge about the health risks of tobacco, many of those who quit smoking did so without medical guidance. In Paraguay, regulation focuses on controlling the commercialization of electronic cigarettes; however, there is a clear need for more effective information and prevention strategies, especially targeting young people. This study highlights the urgency of strengthening educational and preventive efforts, as well as the importance of conducting further research with larger and more representative samples to better understand the associated factors.

Palabras clave : electronic cigarettes; university students; public health; prevention; regulation.

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