ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC OPINION ON E-CIGARETTE USE: COMPARISON BY SEX AND AGE

Abstract

Objective: To investigate and analyze public opinion on electronic cigarettes, focusing on sex and age.Methods: A quantitative, observational, and descriptive approach was conducted with 210 adults from Brasil, Uberlândia-MG. Non-probabilistic sampling and data collection through a structured questionnaire were used. The analysis examined descriptive statistics and parametric and non-parametric tests to assess variables such as gender, age group, and electronic cigarette use.Results: The study shows that 89.5% of women and 90.8% of men know what electronic cigarettes are. 38.2% of men support legalization compared to 22.8% of women. The main group consuming vaping products consists of young people aged 18 to 27, with health concerns being the primary reason for not using them. 38% of young people consider quitting.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that young people aged 18 to 37 are highly influenced by social factors regarding vaping use. The younger population had the most knowledge about the device. 10.5% of men use electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. Women use them less than men (36.4% vs. 40.8%).