28 Percent of Students Pursuing Higher Education at MNU Use E-Cigarettes: Study

A study has found that 28 percent of students pursuing higher education at the National University of Maldives (MNU) use e-cigarettes. The study was conducted by Rishana Naseer between 1 February 2024 and 1 October 2024, among students pursuing higher education in Malé, to determine the prevalence of e-cigarette or vape use. The study also identified the factors that contribute to e-cigarette use and analysed the relationship between those factors and e-cigarette use. The research was carried out among 397 students at the Maldives National University using a 'systematic random sampling' method. Data was collected using a questionnaire prepared for students to fill in themselves. According to the findings, 28 percent of students pursuing higher education at MNU use e-cigarettes. Of them, 4.5 percent were students reported to be using e-cigarettes every day. The 'Chi-square' analysis in the study showed that gender, tobacco use by a family member, and tobacco use by friends or peers are matters with a strong association with e-cigarette use. The study also noted that MNU students' knowledge about e-cigarettes is at a moderate level, and said this highlights the need for more awareness programmes about the harms of e-cigarettes at community and national level. Stating that e-cigarette use is higher among youth aged between 18 and 19, the study noted that educational programmes need to be conducted targeting that age group. Accordingly, it has been recommended that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education work together to strengthen awareness efforts targeting children of that age group in all schools and educational centres. This government first raised cigarette prices significantly. However, as the illicit cigarette trade increased excessively as a result, cigarette duty was later reduced, saying it was on the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO). With the reduction of duty, cigarette prices in the Maldives market have fallen, and this was a matter criticised by many. In addition, the import and possession of vape has also been banned, and a generational ban has also been introduced.