Prevalence of use, perceptions of harm and addictiveness, and dependence of electronic cigarettes among adults in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: Tobacco induced diseases 2023-07, Vol.21 (July), p.90-13
• Main Authors: Alshaibani, Munairah, Alajmi, Mays, Alabduljalil, Noura, Alajmi, Hajar, Alsalem, Yousef, Aloqab, Danah, Alawadhi, Hamad, Ali, Sara Sayed, Sharhan, Yaqoub, Alzeeny, Ahmed, Ziyab, Ali H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: addictiveness; adults; dependence; electronic cigarettes; harm; Research Paper
• ISSN: 1617-9625; 2070-7266; 1617-9625
• DOI: 10.18332/tid/163300

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become one of the most common forms of nicotine delivery used by youth and young adults worldwide. Given the lack of epidemiologic data in Kuwait, this study sought to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use, assess perceptions of harm and addictiveness of e-cigarettes, measure the level of dependence on e-cigarettes and assess factors associated with dependence level among adults. A cross-sectional study enrolled adults (n=3032, aged ≥18 years) living in Kuwait using a web-based questionnaire. Participants self-reported ever and current (past 30-day) e-cigarette use and self-completed the 10-item Penn State E-cigarette Dependence Index. Associations were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression. The prevalence of ever and current e-cigarette use was estimated to be 40.2% (1220/3032) and 29.4% (892/3032), respectively. The prevalence of current e-cigarette use was higher in males compared to females (47.6% vs 14.4%, p