Background
The health risks associated with e-cigarettes are currently the focus of tobacco control efforts and public health initiatives. Given that China and Indonesia have the highest rates of adult smoking worldwide, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of e-cigarette prevalence among college students in these two nations.
Methods
From May to June 2023, a random sampling method was employed to conduct an online questionnaire survey among college students in three universities located in Kunming (China) and Jakarta (Indonesia) respectively. The chi-square test was utilized for comparing the rates/ratios, while binary logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the influencing factors of e-cigarette knowledge, attitude, and practice.
Results
A total of 1327 individuals were included in the investigation. The proportion of Indonesian students (75.6%) with a high level of e-cigarette knowledge was lower than that observed among Chinese students (87.4%) (χ2 = 29.697, P < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of e-cigarette use among Indonesian students (9.4%) was higher compared to their Chinese counterparts (3.0%) (χ2 = 22.320, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age, place of residence, major, gender, as well as friends' and family members' e-cigarette use significantly influenced knowledge levels and attitudes towards e-cigarettes in both countries (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Despite the positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards e-cigarettes among undergraduate students in both countries, a notable knowledge gap exists concerning the harmful effects of e-cigarettes. In comparison, Chinese students exhibit a better comprehension of e-cigarette knowledge and demonstrate lower usage rates, suggesting that heightened awareness plays a favorable role in preventing e-cigarette use. Furthermore, it becomes imperative for policymakers and health educators to focus on specific factors such as the influence of close friends and family members, as well as the residency area.