Use of electronic cigarettes among physicians, residents, and medical students in a referral hospital in the state of Amazonas, Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of electronic cigarette use among physicians, residents, and medical students at a university hospital in northern Brazil.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on participants' knowledge and use of electronic cigarettes.

RESULTS

A total of 36 participants were included, most of whom were young female medical students (58.3%) in the 21- to 30-year age bracket. Although 91.7% were aware of electronic cigarettes and their associated health risks, 16 participants reported recreational use of such devices.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high awareness of the potential harms of electronic cigarettes, a considerable proportion of participants-primarily young female medical students-continue to use electronic cigarettes recreationally, highlighting the need for targeted educational and preventive strategies among future health care professionals.