Background: E-cigarettes, often referred to as vapes, have surged in popularity, especially among younger demographics, due to misconceptions about their safety compared to traditional tobacco products.
Objective: This study focused on the growing prevalence of vape use in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and its associated health impacts, specifically targeting respiratory symptoms in adult users.
Methods: A cross-sectional study included 100 adults aged 18 to 50 years in Riyadh, all of them had a history of e-cigarette use. Data were collected through online surveys, focusing on aspects such as income level, money spent on vapes, family smoking habits, and reported respiratory symptoms. Analysis was conducted using statistical tools to establish correlations between vaping habits and respiratory health outcomes.
Results: The study revealed that majority of the participants were young adult males mainly from middle and high-income brackets. A significant portion of the respondents experienced cough (58%) and shortness of breath (68%) during or after vaping, and 71% reported a rapid heart rate associated with vaping. Despite these symptoms, only a small fraction of the participants had attempted to quit vaping in the past 30 days, reflecting a lack of awareness or underestimation of the health risks associated with vaping.
Conclusion: The study underscored a strong association between vape use and adverse respiratory symptoms among adults in Riyadh. Despite the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, there was a notable gap in awareness or willingness to acknowledge the health risks associated with vaping.