E-Cigarette Use and Predictors of Vaping Behavior among Undergraduate Students in Thailand’s Health Region 10

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use among youth has become a significant public health concern worldwide and in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of e-cigarette use and identify predictors of vaping behavior among undergraduate students in Thailand’s Health Region 10. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2025 among 555 undergraduate students selected through a cluster sampling method. Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered multiple-choice questionnaire via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were employed to examine factors predicted with e-cigarette use. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. The prevalence of e-cigarette use among undergraduate students was 12.25%. Predictors of e-cigarette use included social factors (Adjusted OR = 5.057, 95% CI = 2.48–10.32, p < 0.001), environmental factors (Adjusted OR = 2.044, 95% CI = 1.04–4.01, p = 0.037), and risky health behaviors (Adjusted OR = 5.735, 95% CI = 1.56–21.02, p = 0.008) were significant predictors of e-cigarette use. In addition, students with higher GPA had a lower likelihood of using e-cigarettes compared to those with moderate GPA (Adjusted OR = 0.366, 95% CI = 0.16–0.81, p = 0.013). E-cigarette use among undergraduate students in Health Region 10 was significant. Implementing smoke-free environmental strategies, along with interventions that promote positive health behaviors, will be crucial in reducing and preventing e-cigarette use among this group.