E-cigarette use, psychological distress, and daily activity participation among adults in Riyadh

Abstract

Objectives: The prevalence of e-cigarettes is significantly increasing among adults as an alternative method to tobacco smoking. However, the chemical products of e-cigarettes have an influence on human general health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between e-cigarette use and psychological distress as well as participation in daily activities among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It also evaluates the demographic profile and usage patterns of e-cigarette users.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 396 e-cigarette smokers in Riyadh city. An online survey was administered, including questions about smoking patterns and the perceived effects of e-cigarettes on activities of daily living. Additionally, mental health were assessed using the Kessler 6 scale.

Results: Most of the participants were educated young males (61.4%). About 29.5% of the participants reported using e-cigarettes primarily to quit tobacco cigarettes. In addition, e-cigarette usage was significantly associated with lower participation in activities of daily living and higher psychological distress.

Conclusion: This study found that many e-cigarette users are well-educated young individuals who use e-cigarettes as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. However, the study also revealed that using e-cigarettes is associated with negative effects on smokers' daily activities and mental health.

Keywords: adult; daily living activities; e-cigarettes; psychological distress; smoking.

Figure 1

The percentage of symptoms encountered during the use of e-cigarettes.

Figure 2

The percentage of participants’ responses regarding the perceived effects on the activities of daily living (A) and psychological distress items during the past 30 days (B).

Figure 3

A scatter plot showing the correlation between ADL and K6 scores.