Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents, despite the lack of research on their long-term health effects. While general studies on adolescent e-cigarette use exist, research specifically focused on senior high school students' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes is limited. This study aimed to address this gap by determining the prevalence of e-cigarette use, knowledge, risk awareness, and attitudes among senior high school students at Saint Mary's University. A descriptive- comparative-correlational approach was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire adapted from previous studies. The questionnaire included sections on demographics, prevalence of use, knowledge, awareness, and attitude, along with an open-ended question on perceived positive and negative effects of e-cigarette use. Data was collected from 400 students using a quota sampling method, ensuring representation from all academic strands. The study found a 51.5% e-cigarette use rate. While students demonstrated good overall knowledge of health risks, awareness of societal implications was moderate. Interestingly, students generally held negative attitudes towards e-cigarettes. However, awareness levels varied by grade level, and both sex and grade level influenced student attitudes. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between awareness and e-cigarette use. Students' perceptions were diverse, with some acknowledging positive effects like stress relief and others expressing concerns about addiction and health risks. These findings suggest a need for educational campaigns and curriculum integration that address knowledge gaps and combat misperceptions about e-cigarettes to deter adolescents from using them.
