Inhale the Truth: Knowledge, Attitude, and Usage Patterns of Cigarette and E-Cigarette (Vape) Users Among Young Adults Aged 18–27 Years — A Cross-Sectional Study from Maharashtra, India

Parikshit Agawane; Vittaldas Shetty; Vikram Garcha; Kadambari Ambildhok; Vineet Vinay

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84389

Inhale the Truth: Knowledge, Attitude, and Usage Patterns of Cigarette and E-Cigarette (Vape) Users Among Young Adults Aged 18–27 Years — A Cross-Sectional Study from Maharashtra, India

Author(s)	Dr. Parikshit Agawane, Dr. Vittaldas Shetty, Dr. Vikram Garcha, Dr. Kadambari Ambildhok, Dr. Vineet Vinay
Country	India
Abstract	Background: The co-occurring use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes among young adults is a growing public health concern. Differences in knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns between cigarette smokers and vape users are critical to informing targeted interventions. Objective: To evaluate and compare knowledge, attitude, and usage patterns among cigarette smokers and vape users aged 18–27 years, and to assess nicotine dependence using the Penn State Cigarette Dependence Scale (PSCDS). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, validated questionnaire administered to 812 young adults in a city in Maharashtra, India. A total of 812 participants (406 cigarette smokers and 406 vape users) completed both the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice questionnaire and the Penn State Cigarette Dependence Scale. Demographic data, health risk knowledge, attitudes, usage patterns, and nicotine dependence were collected. Descriptive statistics, Independent Samples t-test, and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of participants were male (81.3%) and aged 18–22 years (56.7%). Mean PSCDS scores were 7.94 ± 2.93 for vape users and 7.31 ± 2.90 for cigarette smokers (Table 5). Over 33% of participants initiated use before the age of 17 years (Table 2). Peer influence and curiosity were the primary reasons for initiation (34.5% each). While 70.2% correctly identified the government ban, significant misconceptions persisted — 26.4% believed vaping has no long-term health effects, and 16% considered vaping less harmful than smoking (Table 3). Attitudes toward vaping were largely divided across all five Likert-scale statements (Table 4). Conclusion: Although both groups demonstrated substantial nicotine dependence, vape users exhibited significantly higher dependence scores than cigarette smokers and similar misconceptions regarding health risks. Early initiation, peer influence, and widespread product availability despite a government ban highlight the need for targeted public health interventions among young adults in India.
Keywords	Attitude, cigarette smoking, cross-sectional study, E-cigarettes, India, knowledge, Maharashtra, nicotine dependence, Penn State Cigarette Dependence Scale, vaping, young adults.
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-27
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84389

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Inhale the Truth: Knowledge, Attitude, and Usage Patterns of Cigarette and E-Cigarette (Vape) Users Among Young Adults Aged 18–27 Years — A Cross-Sectional Study from Maharashtra, India

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