Perception, attitude, accessing the electronic cigarette and intention to use the electronic cigarette among youths in education system in the Northern Region, Thailand

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to explore perception of, attitude toward, access to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and intention to use e-cigarette and to determine the factors associated with intention to use e-cigarettes among youths in education system in the northern region of Thailand.   A total of 1,328 samples were obtained from multi-stage random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient and ETA correlation. It was found that 57.4% of respondents were males, aged between 15–22 years old, and average age 16.78 years. Approximately 58.3% of them were vocational students. Only 9.1% of the youth population taking part in the study were smoking. The perception concerning e-cigarettes was at a moderate level (72.0%). Attitude on e-cigarettes was at a moderate level (77.2%). Accessibility to E-cigarette was at a moderate level (63.8%). Intention to use e-cigarettes was at a low level (74.5%). Attitude on e-cigarettes and accessibility to e-cigarette were significantly related with intention to use them at the .05 level of significance. Parents should act as a good model for the youths. In addition, teachers/lecturers should also talk to their students about the harmfulness of e-cigarettes. In the meantime, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) should strictly enforce the laws restricting the youth population from illegally accessing e-cigarettes.