Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Generation of Electronic Cigarette Aerosol by a Third-Generation Machine-Vaping Device: Application to Toxicological Studies
Published on: August 25, 2018
Usage patterns, knowledge, and attitudes of healthcare providers regarding e-cigarettes: A cross-sectional study in
Ali M Alasmari1, Ahmed A Alzahrani2, Keir E J Philip2
1Respiratory Therapy Department, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Introduction:
As electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) gain global popularity, healthcare providers (HCPs) play a critical role in shaping public health responses. In Saudi Arabia, little is known about HCPs' perspectives on e-cigarettes. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate HCPs' knowledge and attitudes toward e-cigarette use and examine differences based on their personal usage patterns.
Methods:
This is an observational, cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was distributed from February to May 2024 among HCPs in Saudi Arabia. The survey, which was previously validated, collected data on sociodemographic, smoking characteristics, and 17 items designed to assess HCPs' knowledge and attitudes about e-cigarette use.
Results:
A total of 301 HCPs participated in the study. Among the participants, 19.3% were nurses, 18.9% were PharmDs, 13.2% were dentists, 24.3% were respiratory therapists (RTs), and 24.3% were medical doctors (MDs). Approximately 64% of the respondents were male, and the median age was 32 years (IQR: 22-55). E-cigarette users comprised 22.9% of the respondents. The prevalence of e-cigarette use was highest among dentists (20.0%), with lower rates observed among respiratory therapists (11.0%), nurses (8.6%), pharmacists (7.0%), and medical doctors (6.8%). The majority of respondents (68.1%) recognized that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, 64.5% believed that e-cigarettes are addictive, and 48.9% were unsure whether e-cigarettes are FDA-approved products. Additionally, 33.3% of HCPs relied primarily on social media for information about e-cigarettes. HCPs strongly agreed [median score: 5 (IQR: 4-5)] that HCPs should be educated about e-cigarettes. HCPs who used e-cigarettes exhibited significantly more favorable attitudes toward e-cigarettes compared to non-users, based on the total score (p=0.020).
Conclusions:
HCPs' knowledge and attitudes regarding e-cigarettes vary widely in Saudi Arabia. Specific, targeted, and regularly updated educational initiatives are needed to ensure that healthcare professionals are confident and well informed regarding the use, risks, and guidelines related to e-cigarettes.
More Related Videos
10:44Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
09:30A Microcontroller Operated Device for the Generation of Liquid Extracts from Conventional Cigarette Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Aerosol
Published on: January 18, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:29Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
01:25Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
01:11Observational Studies
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...