Effectiveness of Electronic Cigarettes in Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Background: Numerous investigations have been carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes in aiding individuals to quit smoking and to ascertain the security and feasibility of utilizing them as an alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Research expenditures must be allocated significantly to the product's evaluation in order to perform an exhaustive examination of its usage prevalence, which includes its use as a smoking cessation tool as well as its adoption as a regular smoking behavior. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University's Faculty of Medicine in the first few months of 2022. There were 263 students that participated in the study in total. In the previous study, the researchers used an anonymous, standardized questionnaire, which they confirmed and put into practice. The concept was assessed and put to the test using statistical analysis using "IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0." Results: The study included a sample of 263 students, of whom 39.1% were classified as female and 60.9% as male. 49 of the 133 pupils in total were determined to have smoked in the past, while the remaining 86 were smokers currently. Regarding the sort of smoking habit used, it was discovered that 23 people (17.3%) used tobacco cigarettes, whereas 90 people (67.7%) used e-cigarettes or vapes. Furthermore, twenty people (15%) disclosed using other tobacco products. Of those who smoke, 36.1% use electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, to cut back on tobacco use. There was a statistically significant link (P<0.05) found between the individuals' marital status and academic year and their regular use of e-cigarettes or vape. Conclusion: The current study found that among a cohort of medical students who successfully quit smoking through its implementation, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping is a contributing factor in their success. Moreover, it is considered a transitional strategy for individuals who want to cut back on their total tobacco consumption.