Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among adults in Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to gather data on socio-demographic characteristics and the use of e-cigarettes, tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products. The findings offer insights into the patterns of e-cigarette use and its correlates in the country.
Key Points:
* The study included 3374 participants, of which 55.7% were male, 97.6% were Saudi, and 59.3% were between 18 and 24 years old.
* 26.3% of the participants had tried e-cigarettes, and 24.7% had a family member who is an e-smoker.
* 8.2% of participants had used smokeless tobacco, and 18.2% had smoked more than 100 tobacco cigarettes in their lifetime.
* 26.3% of participants had tried e-cigarettes, with 19.5% wanting to quit smoking tobacco cigarettes and 16.2% thinking they are safer compared to tobacco cigarettes.
* 6.9% of participants used e-cigarettes daily, and 10.6% used tobacco cigarettes every day.
* Male gender, high educational level, smoking tobacco, and higher smoking frequency were associated with e-cigarette use.
* The study had some limitations, including the dependence on the honesty of responders.
Main Message:
The study reveals that e-cigarette use is prevalent among young adults and those with a history of tobacco smoking in Saudi Arabia. The findings highlight the need for further research on the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and the importance of raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public. The results also underscore the need for regulatory measures to control the use and availability of e-cigarettes in the country.
Citation
Althobaiti NK, Mahfouz MEM. Prevalence of Electronic Cigarette Use in Saudi Arabia. Cureus. 2022;14(6):1. doi:10.7759/cureus.25731
