Vaping: Is it Safer than Conventional Tobacco Smoking

Background: Electronic cigarette is becoming more popular worldwide recently. However, there is limited evidence on e-cigarette consumption in an environment conducive to smoking as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The current study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors and awareness associated with e-cigarette use among a convenient sample of Inhabitants in the northern emirate of United Arab Emirates. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in was conducted in the emirate of Ras Al khaimah from November 2019 to January 2020. An anonymous structured self-administrative questionnaire was used to collect data from the selected participants. The objective of the study was adequately explained to participants and their consent was obtained with assured confidentiality. Results: Almost two thirds of the participants (66.3%; 302/455) showed low level of e- cigarettes awareness with a mean score of 6.23(2.1) out of 13. The prevalence of usage was significantly higher among males (75%), Arab nationality (70.5%), occupation not health related (68.9%), higher monthly income (85.8%) and smokers (60.7%). Significant difference in the mean score of awareness toward e-cigarettes among users and non- users (p<0.001, 4.30(1.33) and 9.14(2.69)) respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that current smokers, male group and those showing a low score of awareness associated with e-cigarettes were likely to be users of e-cigarettes. Conclusion: Instituting laws that are more stringent and holding nationwide awareness campaigns regarding safe usage of e-cigarettes targeting those group identified in this study are necessary to control the increasing e-cigarette use in the near future.