Abstract

This study investigates the factors associated with e-cigarette use among school students in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Southern Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023, involving 270 students aged 13–19 from three secondary schools, with a random sampling technique ensuring a representative sample of actively enrolled students. Data were collected via online questionnaires and analyzed using quantitative descriptive statistics (percentages) and Chi-square tests (χ²) to examine associations. The descriptive results indicated a nearly balanced gender distribution (51.1% male and 54.9% female), with the majority of participants falling within the 13–15 years’ age range. Socioeconomically, 56.5% of parents were employed in hired labor, and 57.8% of students reported receiving a monthly allowance exceeding 3,000 Baht. E-cigarette awareness was notably high (92.2%), with 17.8% reporting lifetime trial. Inferential analysis revealed significant associations between e-cigarette use and several personal factors (age, parental occupation, grade level, and smoking initiation). Additionally, exposure to news media, particularly television, correlated with a higher likelihood of e-cigarette use, and students’ attitudes were significantly linked to e-cigarette behavior (p < 0.05), suggesting that attitudes play a crucial role in influencing usage patterns. Based on these findings, the study recommends school-based interventions aimed at enhancing health literacy regarding e-cigarettes and their associated risks.