Misconceptions About E-cigarettes Among Healthcare Workers at Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

As e-cigarettes become increasingly popular, especially among youth, addressing the misinformation surrounding their use is crucial. This study aims to enhance healthcare workers' knowledge of the risks associated with e-cigarettes, ultimately improving patient education and public health outcomes.

To assess health workers' awareness of misconceptions surrounding e-cigarette use and the implications of this awareness on their personal use and professional practices  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the primary healthcare centers of Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assess healthcare professionals' awareness of e-cigarette misconceptions. Utilizing a convenience sampling technique, the target sample size was 246 participants, and the actual participants were 208, ensuring robust representation. Eligible participants include PSMMC healthcare providers currently working in PHC settings, while those from other departments or institutions will be excluded. Data was collected through a structured online questionnaire covering demographic information, personal e-cigarette usage, awareness of health impacts, addictive potential, and regulations related to e-cigarettes.

The study included a total of 208 participants, with the majority (150 participants, 72.1%) aged between 25 and 35 years. The group was predominantly male (108 participants, 51.9%) and Saudi nationals (147 participants, 70.7%). Additionally, 108 participants (51.9%) were married, and half were specializing in family medicine. While only 35 (16.8%) personally use e-cigarettes, 124 (59.6%) know someone who does, and social media is the primary information source for 127 (61.06%) participants. A strong majority (185,88.9%) believe e-cigarettes are harmful, and 164 (78.8%) recognize the potential harm to bystanders from e-cigarette aerosol. The views on e-cigarettes being less harmful than traditional cigarettes are mixed, with 64 (30.8%) in agreement, while 136 (65.4%) acknowledge their addictive nature. There is widespread support for regulating e-cigarettes like tobacco products (150, 72.1%) and prohibiting their use for individuals under 18 (164, 78.8%). Statistical analysis shows a significant association between the specialty of family medicine and the belief in the health risks of e-cigarettes (p=0.029), indicating the need for targeted education and policy measures.

Despite participants' relatively good knowledge of e-cigarettes and their health implications, a significant number of misconceptions persist. This highlights the need for ongoing education and training programs tailored for healthcare professionals to address gaps in understanding and ensure they are equipped with accurate information.