Prevalence of Adverse Respiratory Symptoms Among E-Cigarette Users in Saudi Arabia - A Cross-Sectional Study

• Published in: Journal of pharmacy & bioallied science 2024-04, Vol.16 (Suppl 2), p.S1641-S1646
• Main Authors: Alrasheedi, Sami M, Alrashdi, Mousa N, Alhumaidan, Lama S, Alkhdairi, Ahmad, Alzweihary, Ali M, Alhussaini, Omar M, Alharbi, Lama S, Albalawi, Amirah N, Almutairi, Turki F, Alharbi, Osama A G, Bashal, Afaf A M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asthma; asthma-related symptoms; Cigarette smoking; Cross-sectional studies; Dyspnea; e-cigarette; Electronic cigarettes; heart rate variability; nicotine delivery systems; Original; Pulmonary manifestations of general diseases; Smoking; vape devices
• ISSN: 0976-4879; 0975-7406
• DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1222_23

Electronic cigarettes, frequently referred to as e-cigarettes, have emerged as a controversial and rapidly growing phenomenon in the realm of tobacco and nicotine consumption worldwide. This study reports the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among e-cigarette users. This study also helps to understand the potential harmful effects and importance of quitting e-cigarette smoking. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out in Saudi Arabia. The study period was from September 2022 to August 2023. The sample size was 447 participants. Among recent e-cigarette users in this Saudi study, usage varied, with 44.1% using 1-5 days, 33.6% using 6-30 days, and 22.4% using e-cigarettes previously but not in the previous month. Vape devices were predominant (42.7%). There were significant associations emerged between e-cigarette use frequency and symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and shortness of breath. E-cigarette use was notably linked to asthma-related symptoms, underscoring its concerning impact on respiratory health (P < 0.05). E-cigarette consumption has a significant impact on respiratory effects and specifically asthma-related symptoms among this Saudi population.