Sociodemographic determinants, knowledge, and patterns of e-cigarette use among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A...

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased globally and in Saudi Arabia. Evidence regarding sociodemographic determinants, perceptions, and patterns of use among Saudi adults remains limited. This study investigated sociodemographic determinants, knowledge, perceptions, and patterns of e-cigarette use among Saudi adult users in Riyadh.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 Saudi adult e-cigarette users residing in Riyadh from 21 January to 18 April 2024. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling strategy. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. The inclusion criteria included Saudi adults aged ≥18 years who reported current e-cigarette use and resided in Riyadh. Data were analyzed using jamovi (version 2.6). Descriptive statistics, likelihood ratio tests, correlation analyses, and regression models were used.

Most participants were male (71.0%) and aged 18-39 years. Friends and relatives were the primary source of information about e-cigarettes (80%). Although awareness of the legality of e-cigarettes was high (85%), misconceptions remained common. Approximately 42.5% believed e-cigarettes were safer than conventional cigarettes, while 13% believed that only water vapor was emitted. Gender was significantly associated with vaping situations (Likelihood ratio χ²(3)=8.215, p=0.042), safety perceptions (LR χ²(2)=9.226, p=0.010), vaping frequency (B=1.870; 95% CI: 0.913-2.891; p<0.001), and harm perception (B= -1.583; 95% CI: -2.947 - -0.219; p=0.023), with males reporting higher vaping frequency and lower perceived harm. Participants who reported successful smoking cessation through vaping also perceived lower levels of harm (B= -2.802; 95% CI: -4.496 - -1.108; p=0.001).

Gender, age, and current occupation were linked to vaping use, with males more likely to vape frequently, age was associated with vaping locations, and occupation was linked to vaping situations. Perceptions and knowledge were associated with demographic factors, revealing relationships between gender and safety and emissions beliefs, as well as age and legality and chemical awareness. Furthermore, individuals who quit tobacco through vaping and males generally had lower harm perceptions. Future studies should be conducted to capture these associations.