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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Frontiers in Psychology

Does medical education protect against nicotine dependence? A comparison of e-cigarette use among physiotherapy and humanities students

  • Józefa Dąbek1
  • Magdalena Szynal1
  • Patryk Brasse2
  • Julia Żerdka2
  • Oskar Sierka3
  • Edyta Sierka4
4 affiliations
  1. 1Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
  2. 2Student Research Group at the Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
  3. 3College of the Doctoral School, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
  4. 4Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the use of nicotine products, the level of nicotine dependence, and the circumstances of e-cigarette use among medical (physiotherapy) and non-medical students.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 388 students aged 18–29 from medical and non-medical universities in southern Poland. Data were collected in person via printed questionnaires administered to intact student groups during scheduled university classes. Nicotine dependence among e-cigarette users was assessed using the Fagerström Test adapted for vaping. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: Overall prevalence of nicotine use was similar in medical and non-medical students. Differences were mainly related to how participants consumed nicotine. Medical students more often used disposable and standard e-cigarettes, while traditional cigarettes were more common among non-medical students. Peer influence significantly affected nicotine use, and most e-cigarette use occurred in social situations.

Conclusion: Medical education alone does not protect against nicotine use, but it appears to alter the preferred mode of nicotine intake. Preventive strategies should address social influences and increase awareness of risks associated with modern nicotine products.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{dabek2026does,
  title = {{Does medical education protect against nicotine dependence? A comparison of e-cigarette use among physiotherapy and humanities students}},
  author = {Józefa Dąbek and Magdalena Szynal and Patryk Brasse and Julia Żerdka and Oskar Sierka and Edyta Sierka},
  journal = {Frontiers in Psychology},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1842763},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1842763},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Does medical education protect against nicotine dependence? A comparison of e-cigarette use among physiotherapy and humanities students
AU  - Józefa Dąbek
AU  - Magdalena Szynal
AU  - Patryk Brasse
AU  - Julia Żerdka
AU  - Oskar Sierka
AU  - Edyta Sierka
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/26
JO  - Frontiers in Psychology
DO  - 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1842763
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1842763
AB  - Background: The aim of the study was to assess the use of nicotine products, the level of nicotine dependence, and the circumstances of e-cigarette use among medical (physiotherapy) and non-medical students.  Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 388 students aged 18–29 from medical and non-medical universities in southern Poland. Data were collected in person via printed questionnaires administered to intact student groups during scheduled university classes. Nicotine dependence among e-cigarette users was assessed using the Fagerström Test adapted for vaping. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test.  Results: Overall prevalence of nicotine use was similar in medical and non-medical students. Differences were mainly related to how participants consumed nicotine. Medical students more often used disposable and standard e-cigarettes, while traditional cigarettes were more common among non-medical students. Peer influence significantly affected nicotine use, and most e-cigarette use occurred in social situations.  Conclusion: Medical education alone does not protect against nicotine use, but it appears to alter the preferred mode of nicotine intake. Preventive strategies should address social influences and increase awareness of risks associated with modern nicotine products.
SN  - 1664-1078
ER  -