Electronic cigarette use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A national study, 2022

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased globally among adolescents. However, data on its use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia remain limited. Therefore, this study describes the characteristics and factors associated with e-cigarette use in this population. METHODS Data from the Saudi Arabia 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey targeting students aged 13–15 years were analyzed. This study examined current use and ever use of e-cigarettes as dependent variables, and sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, and exposure to tobacco-related messages as independent variables. RESULTS Among the adolescents, 14.2% had ever used e-cigarettes, while 5.3% were current users. Older adolescents exhibited a higher prevalence of ever use (12%, 13%, and 19% among those aged 13, 14, and 15 years, respectively). Of those who ever smoked cigarettes, 44% reported ever using e-cigarettes, and 23% were current users. Older adolescents (15 years) were 35% more likely to be ever e-cigarette users (AOR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.32–1.38) and 39% more likely to be current e-cigarette users (AOR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.34–1.43) than those aged 13 years. Exposure to pro-tobacco marketing was associated with twice the odds of ever using e-cigarettes (AOR=2.23; 95% CI: 2.21–2.26) and 2.76 times the odds of becoming current e-cigarette users (AOR=2.64; 95% CI: 2.58–2.69) compared with non-exposed adolescents. CONCLUSIONS E-cigarette use is more prevalent among older adolescents, males, and those with higher weekly allowances. Additionally, e-cigarette use is associated with adolescents who use tobacco cigarettes, are exposed to secondhand smoke, or encounter tobacco promotional marketing.