Prevalencia de uso de cigarrillos electrónicos en estudiantes de Medicina en Colombia, 2023.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of electronic cigarettes in medical students in four Colombian cities. Methos: Descriptive study of prevalence in 594 medical students in the cities of Medellin, Santa Marta, Villavicencio and Pasto, selected with a non-probabilistic sampling. The prevalence of lifetime, daily or almost daily use of electronic cigarettes was determined. Results: The mean age was 21.9 ± 4.1 years; 68.5 % were women; the prevalence of lifetime use of electronic cigarettes was 18.5 % (n = 100) and the prevalence of daily or almost daily use was 7.7 % (n = 46). Prevalence was significantly higher in men (adjusted OR = 3.1, 95 % CI = 1.6-5.8) and in those reporting household incomes less than minimum wage (adjusted OR = 4.3, 95 % CI = 1.5-11.9). Conclusion: A high prevalence of electronic cigarette use was found, consistent with what has been described in other studies worldwide. This finding highlights the need to implement actions to promote awareness of the risks associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. Furthermore, as future health professionals and those responsible for prevention and public health, physicians in training have a crucial model role to play in promoting healthy practices and supporting policies that regulate the sale and consumption of these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]