Characterization of electronic cigarette use and its consequences among young people and adults in Fortaleza

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the profile of electronic cigarette users. Methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational analysis was conducted using data collected from 280 electronic cigarette (EC) users through a questionnaire administered via Google Forms®. Information regarding device use was gathered. The study was carried out from September 2022 to August 2023, with questionnaires applied in public spaces such as universities located in Fortaleza, Ceará. Results: a predominance of males was observed, with a median age of 20 years. Regarding symptomatology associated with electronic cigarette (EC) use, 164 (58.6%) participants reported symptoms, with the most prevalent being anxiety 76 (27.1%), shortness of breath 70 (25%), and malaise 71 (25.4%). Concerning symptoms related to cessation, 48.2% reported experiencing them, with the most frequent being anxiety 104 (37.2%), stress 66 (23.6%), and headaches 30 (10.7%). Most participants reported using EC several times a day (118), followed by use on weekends. Among those who used the device several times a day 118 (42.1%), 81 (68.6%) reported symptoms associated with use (p=0.0017). Social influence was the main
initial reason, accounting for 46,4% of responses. Conclusion: electronic cigarette use was found to be frequent among young people, associated with a high occurrence of symptoms and gaps in knowledge about its composition and risks, highlighting the need for educational actions and control strategies
targeting this population.