Prevalencia del consumo de cigarrillo electrónico y sus factores asociados en estudiantes de Arquitectura de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca Matriz, periodo 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) have emerged as a growing concern in the university environment, especially among young people without a history of tobacco use, who begin using them due to misperceptions and psychosocial factors. Given their impact on public health, the current study aimed to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with electronic cigarette use among architecture students at the Catholic University of Cuenca, during the 2025 period. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out between March and April 2025. A stratified sample of 205 students was used. Data collection was developed through a structured survey with sociodemographic variables, history of substance use, perceived stress (PSS), and perception of electronic cigarettes (technology acceptance model). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v26, considering a p-value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of consumption was 25.9%. A significant association was observed between consumption and high levels of stress (p<0.001), favorable perception of electronic cigarettes (p<0.001), and a history of using other substances (p<0.001). No relationship was found with sex or age. Conclusions: Electronic cigarette use is closely related to psychosocial factors, which requires interventions in mental health, product regulation, and preventive education in the university context.