Electronic cigarettes use among medical students: relationship with depression and perceived stress

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1806-6976.smad.2025.229954

Keywords:

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Vaping, Depression, Psychological Stress

Abstract

Objective: to identify the prevalence of e-cigarette use among medical students and
its association with depressive symptoms and perceived stress levels. Methodology: a
quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 234 medical students. Data collection
included sociodemographic information, lifestyle, e-cigarette use, and assessment of depressive symptoms and perceived stress using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Perceived Stress Scale-10, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, differences between means, and Spearman correlation were performed. Statistical significance was considered for values of p <0.05. Results: the prevalence of e-cigarette use was 65.4%. Students who used e-cigarettes had significantly higher levels of perceived stress (p < 0.001), although no significant difference was found in depressive symptoms (p = 0.296). Regression analysis showed that a one-point increase in perceived stress increased the odds of e-cigarette use by 1.12 times (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.12; 95%CI 1.07–1.18; p < 0.001). Conclusion: the high prevalence of e-cigarette use underscores the need to implement educational interventions and mental health support policies to mitigate e-cigarette use among medical students.

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Published

2026-02-20

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Vol. 21 (2025): SMAD, Revista Eletrônica Saúde Mental, Álcool e Drogas

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How to Cite

Canevari Dutra da Silva, R., Oliveira Douro, R. M., de Oliveira, M. C., Iwata Passos, T., & Camargo Júnior, E. B. (2026). Electronic cigarettes use among medical students: relationship with depression and perceived stress. SMAD Revista Eletrônica Saúde Mental Álcool E Drogas (Edição Em Português), 21, e-229954. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1806-6976.smad.2025.229954