A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of electronic cigarette use, knowledge and attitudes among Saudi youth

Abstract

Background: E-cigarettes are a lithium-ion battery device that delivers nicotine via inhaled vapor. There are misconceptions regarding the use of e-cigarettes, with many users unaware about the harmful effects of vaping. The knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of e-cigarettes needs to be studied to find ways and formulate policies to reduce its prevalence. We aim to study the prevalence of e-cigarettes among Saudi youth and document their knowledge and attitudes regarding the harmful effects of vaping. The study also correlated the attitudes and level of awareness with the educational level of the participants. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted on 388 participants involving both the genders in September and October 2021 in Riyadh, KSA. Data was collected through systemically random sampling and analyzed using SPSS software. Graphs and tables were used to present data and suitable statistical tests of significance used for data analysis, p-value of < 0.05 or less was considered significant. Results: The use of E-Cigarettes was 60% with a high male prevalence rate. The use was less in post-graduate participants as compared to the lower educational level. Awareness level also correlated with the educational level with high level of awareness in the post graduate participants. Conclusion: Unfortunately, vaping is high among the youth and more so in males as compared to females. The level of education plays an important role in determining the use of e-cigarettes with high educational status demonstrating increased level of awareness of harmful effects amongst them.