Studying the prevalence, characteristics and consequences of smoking traditional and electronic cigarettes among university students

Background. Smoking is an undisputed risk factor for a number of chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Despite a number of measures taken to limit the availability of tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems are becoming increasingly popular, the effects of which on the body have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of the research was to study the prevalence, characteristics, and impact on health of smoking traditional and electronic cigarettes among students of Penza State University. Materials and methods. Using a standard anonymous questionnaire, a survey was conducted among 294 third-year students of the Penza Medical University aged 19 to 27 years: 244 students at the Faculty of Medicine and 50 students at the Faculty of Law. Results. More smokers were studying at the Faculty of Law compared to students at the Faculty of Medicine. When comparing the number of smokers among boys and girls at different faculties, no significant differences were found. The average smoking history was 3.2 years. However, regardless of length of service and type of cigarettes used, smokers are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections than non-smoking students. The appearance of such a respiratory symptom as cough with sputum was more often observed in students who had been smoking for more than five years compared to smokers with less experience. Conclusions. Smoking is more common among law students The majority of students surveyed prefer electronic cigarettes, almost the third reason for switching to classic smoking. Students who smoke are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections and report a cough with sputum, which is the earliest symptom of lung damage.