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

• Published in: Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences 2024, Vol.16 (Suppl 2)
• 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: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electronic cigarettes; Pulmonary manifestations of general diseases; Smoking
• ISSN: 0976-4879
• DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1222_23

ABSTRACT 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. Keywords: Asthma-related symptoms, E-cigarette, heart rate variability, nicotine delivery systems, vape devices