Attitudes of Students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences Toward E-Cigarette Use and Its Relationship to Some Demographic Variables

The main aim of this research was analyzing the attitudes of students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Al-Mustaqbal University towards e-cigarette use. The research explored how e-cigarette use is related to demographic, economic, and social variables; in addition to the level of health awareness of its risks. The researchers followed a descriptive approach and used a survey method. The research was conducted on a sample of (80) students belonging to the four stages of the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were obtained through a questionnaire in accordance with scientific principles and verified by five specialized experts. The reliability coefficient was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha (0.86). A set of statistical tools was used, including percentages, frequencies, arithmetic means, standard deviation, Pearson correlation coefficient, chi-squared test (χ2), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed: Social factors, particularly peer pressure and integration into the university environment, are the were among the most prominent factors of e-cigarette use (85%), with statistically significant differences between academic years (χ2 = 8.47, p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation exists between low income levels and limited spending (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), reflecting a more experimental use pattern. A general awareness of the harms of e-cigarette use (100% in some items) is contrasted by a weak understanding of its long-term health risks. The influence of family is less effective (8.75%) compared to friends and the university environment (77.5%). The study recommends implementing awareness programs and strengthening sports activities within the university environment, and this achieves one of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations in Iraq which is (Good Health).