Representação social do uso do cigarro eletrônico por estudantes de uma universidade pública da zona da mata mineira

Abstract

This study aimed to understand university students' social representations regarding the use of electronic cigarettes and to analyze the relationships between these representations and strategies aimed at reducing vulnerability to health risks. The work is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, using Social Representations Theory as the theoretical and methodological framework. The research was carried out at a public institution in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 university students to gather the information. The research was submitted to the university's Ethics Committee, and after submission, data collection took place between May and November 2024. The interviews were recorded electronically using a voice recorder, ensuring the accuracy of the transcription to the Word for Windows program, in compliance with all ethical and legal aspects. Four categories emerged: the first contact with the electronic cigarette; positive perceptions and health risks associated with electronic cigarette use; acquiring the electronic cigarette; electronic cigarettes in Brazil: prohibition versus legalization. Data analysis was performed concurrently with fieldwork, following the guidelines of Bardin's Content Analysis. The findings showed that students understand that the electronic cigarette is harmful, but they also mention that the experience of use is enjoyable and that the product is less harmful than other tobacco-derived products. The results point to a need for the dissemination of scientific information about electronic cigarettes so that students can make more informed decisions regarding experimentation and use. The social impact of the study lies in supporting the strengthening of actions promoted by the National Anti-Tobacco Policy, emphasizing the importance of developing health education actions to guide a re-signification of electronic cigarette use.