Level of knowledge of undergraduate dental students about electronic cigarettes

Abstract

The electronic cigarette has emerged as an alternative to the conventional cigarette, being considered by some as a smoking cessation aid. The device has attracted the interest of many young people in search of new experiences, sensations, and recreation. The aim of this study was to assess, using a questionnaire, the level of knowledge of undergraduate dental students from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Florianópolis, Brazil) about electronic cigarettes. Information was also collected on the interest in trying the device, the approach of the subject in the course, and the self-perceived ability to inform patients about electronic cigarettes. The questionnaire was applied in April and May 2019 to 209 students over 18 years old, who were divided into 3 groups: freshmen (1st and 2nd semesters of the course), junior (4th and 5th semesters), and senior (9th and 10th semesters). The descriptive and statistical analyses were performed, and the significance level of 95% was adopted. The results showed that senior students had higher knowledge about electronic cigarettes than freshmen or junior students. However, the level of knowledge was considered unsatisfactory, as about 40% of the senior students had adequate level of knowledge (at least 60% of correct answers). Most students reported not having had contact with the topic during the undergraduate course. Likewise, most senior students reported not feeling prepared to advise patients on electronic cigarettes. The results of this study indicate the dental curriculum should include this topic in the training of future dentists, enabling them to inform their patients about the risks and benefits of using electronic cigarettes.