Knowledge and Attitude of Teenagers Towards Electronic Cigarettes in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study investigating the knowledge and attitudes of teenagers in Karachi, Pakistan towards electronic cigarettes. The study also examines the differences in perceptions based on gender and level of education.

Key Points:

* The study employed a cross-sectional design and interviewed 441 young individuals to gather data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding electronic cigarettes.
* Participants were questioned about their knowledge of electronic cigarettes and their sources, attitudes towards electronic cigarettes using Likert scales, and practices related to electronic cigarette use.
* The majority of participants knew what electronic cigarettes were, but a significant number did not know about their contents and learned about them from friends or the internet.
* Almost half of the participants believed that the reason for electronic cigarette use was peer pressure or to quit smoking conventional cigarettes.
* A large majority of participants stated that it was easy or very easy to obtain electronic cigarettes.
* Males knew more about electronic cigarettes and were more likely to have smoked or be current electronic cigarette smokers compared to females.
* Middle school students were more likely to have negative attitudes towards electronic cigarettes, believing they were more harmful and more addictive than conventional cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study reveals that while many teenagers in Karachi, Pakistan are aware of electronic cigarettes, there is a lack of proper knowledge and negative attitudes towards their use. Males and females have considerable differences in their opinions regarding electronic cigarettes, with social practices being considered taboo by females and males having greater freedom due to patriarchal, familial, and cultural systems. These findings highlight the need for increased education and awareness about electronic cigarettes and their potential risks, particularly in the context of cultural and social norms in Pakistan.

Shaikh, Asim, Hamza T Ansari, Zeerak Ahmad, Mahnoor Y Shaikh, Ilma Khalid, Maha Jahangir, Amna Majeed, et al. “Knowledge and Attitude of Teenagers Towards Electronic Cigarettes in Karachi, Pakistan.” Cureus, July 13, 2017. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1468.