Vaping as a smoking cessation tool: Attitudes of pharmacy students–A quantitative study
Abstract
Background: Vaping is increasingly promoted as a smoking cessation aid, providing nicotine without the harms of conventional cigarettes. This study examined pharmacy students' perceptions of its effectiveness and safety. Methods: An exploratory quantitative study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to students in the Pharmacy Programme at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. Results: A total of 55 participants completed the online survey. Most students (61.8%) viewed vaping positively as a smoking cessation tool. Only 27.3% thought e-cigarettes were more effective than nicotine replacement therapy, with 49.1% disagreeing and 23.6% neutral. 61.8% supported combining e-cigarettes with cessation services; 20% were negative, 18.2% neutral. Some attitudes were associated with prior vaping and pharmacy experience. Knowledge gaps: 90.9% wrongly reported or didn't know adverse effects are reportable via the Yellow Card Scheme (60.0% "don't know," 30.9% incorrect), and 58.2% were unaware of licensed e-cigarettes. Regarding regulation, 49.1% said e-cigarettes aren’t strictly regulated in the UK, 29.1% didn't know. Conclusion: Pharmacy students generally had positive attitudes toward vaping but lacked sufficient knowledge. Updating the curriculum with evidence, regulation, and counselling details could help. The impact of any educational programme should be evaluated prospectively.
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