Age and Gender effect on Traditional vs E-Cigarettes Smoking Pattern and Smoke Cessation in The Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional, survey-based study

Abstract

Background. The increasing e-cigarette (EC) usage has significantly transformed smoking behaviors worldwide, especially among younger individuals. In Saudi Arabia, smoking continues to pose a serious public health issue, with notable demographic differences in smoking practices. However, there is a lack of comprehensive data examining the impact of age and gender on the patterns of traditional cigarette (TC) and EC usage in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.
Aims. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of TC vs EC consumption and the characteristics of each type users, investigate the effects of age and gender on smoking behaviors, and assess the efficacy of EC as a tool for smoking cessation.
Methods. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2022, targeting respondents aged 18 to 70 years who speak either English or Arabic in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 1,140 participants completed the survey, which collected demographic data, smoking behaviors, and any previous attempts to smoke cessation. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS to identify significant differences among various groups.
Results. The results indicated that 39% of the participants reported using EC, while 29% reported using TC, and 32% reported using both products. TC users tended to be older (27 vs 23 years, P < 0.001) and predominantly male individuals (89% vs 85%, P = 0.008), whereas EC users were more likely to be single (82% vs 66%, P < 0.001). Notably, only 7% of individuals who attempted to quit smoking using EC were successful, in contrast to 46% of individuals who used therapeutic methods were successful.

Conclusion. The increasing popularity of EC among younger individuals raises concerns regarding nicotine addiction and the potential shift to TC. The observed gender and age differences emphasize the need for customized cessation programs. Public health strategies should address both TC and EC usage, prioritizing education and effective cessation methods to reduce health risks across various demographic groups.