Status of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems use among health science students in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

Background The prevalence of tobacco use is high among health science students in low- and middle-income countries. This population participates in tobacco and nicotine delivery systems prevention strategies. We sought to determine the status of tobacco and nicotine delivery systems used among health sciences students in low- and middle-income countries. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included original research articles published in the last 10 years in indexed journals, written in Spanish and English, that focused on populations of healthcare students in low- and middle-income countries and provided information on the use of tobacco or nicotine delivery systems. Eleven databases were searched, and data were extracted using inductive analysis and thematic synthesis. Results Thirty-four articles were reviewed. Asia was the continent that produced the most literature on the subject, and most studies had a quantitative cross-sectional methodological design. Information on social and cultural issues related to drug use, mental health, healthcare, smoking cessation, and policies and programs is presented in narrative form. Conclusions Little information exists about the social and cultural aspects associated with the use of nicotine delivery systems, and the needs of health science students in this regard. This issue requires research through participatory, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches, focusing on analyzing participants’ needs and identifying ways to transform their reality.