A cross-sectional survey of 555 undergraduates in Thailand's Health Region 10 found self-reported e-cigarette use in 12.25%. Social, environmental and risky-health-behaviour factors were associated with higher odds of vaping, while a higher GPA was associated with lower odds. The findings identify prevention contexts but do not establish causation.
Key findings
- Self-reported vaping prevalence was 12.25%. Social factors were associated with about fivefold higher odds (AOR 5.057; 95% CI 2.48-10.32), environmental factors with roughly twofold higher odds, and risky health behaviours with about 5.74-fold higher odds. Higher GPA was inversely associated with vaping (AOR 0.366; 95% CI 0.16-0.81).
Why this matters globally
The study adds Southeast Asian evidence to university vaping-control policy by highlighting peer, access and co-occurring behavioural contexts that can be compared across countries.
Thai researcher contribution
Researchers linked to Ubon Ratchathani University generated region-specific evidence that can inform Thai universities and public-health agencies.
Limitations to consider
Self-reporting may understate vaping, and the cross-sectional design cannot establish direction or causality. Some confidence intervals are wide, composite factors require careful interpretation, and findings from Health Region 10 should not be generalized to all Thai undergraduates.