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KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, AND PRACTICE OF E-CIGARETTE AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN MALAYSIA
Keywords:
smoking, e-cigarette, dental students, vapingDOI:
https://doi.org/10.17654/0973514325033Abstract
Background: E-cigarette use is increasing among young adults, raising public health concerns. As future oral health professionals, dental students must be well-informed to counsel patients. This study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and practices on e-cigarette use among undergraduate dental students in Malaysian public universities.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, beliefs, and practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS and presented as frequencies and percentages. Correlation analysis explored associations ( $p<0.05$ ).
Results: Of 269 respondents, most were females ( $77.7 \%$ ) aged 19-23 years. Knowledge was generally low, with $73.6 \%$ unaware of FDA approval and e-cigarette safety. While $98.1 \%$ acknowledged e-cigarette harms, $69.1 \%$ believed they do not aid smoking cessation. Confidence in discussing risks was high (76.6\%). Knowledge correlated positively with education level ( $r=0.174, p<0.01$ ).
Conclusion: Dental students showed limited knowledge but largely negative beliefs toward e-cigarette use. Strengthened educational efforts are needed to improve awareness and counselling skills on e-cigarette-related risks.
Received: October 20, 2025
Accepted: November 22, 2025
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