Awareness and Usage Patterns of E-cigarettes among Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract: Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are battery operated products designed to deliver nicotine, flavor-and other chemicals. The present study was conducted to assess awareness about e-cigarettes. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted 1250 subjects in the age range of 18-68 years of age. They all were provided with questionnaire and asked to fill it. The response was recorded and was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Maximum subjects were in age group 18-28 years (215 males, 240 females) followed by 28-38 years (185 males and 155 females). The difference was significant (P<0.05). 22%, 15%, 5% and 58% usually use cigarette, bidi, hookah and vape respectively. 55% use it daily. 25% consume 1/week, 35% 2/ week and 40%>2/ weeks. 65% use low percentage of nicotine. The difference was significant (P<0:05). Symptoms such as headache (55%), nausea (34%), sleep disturbance (40%), chest pain (62%), coughing (305) and phlegm production (25%) were seen Conclusion: E-Cigarettes are moderately used among population. The awareness about it was good. More large scale studies are required to educate population about its use.