GLOBAL FREQUENCY AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE USERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Abstract

Objective Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is growing significantly worldwide, especially among young people. This product has been associated with renormalizing smoking and hindering attempts to quit in smokers. Among nonsmokers, it can lead to subsequent cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of e-cigarette users worldwide. Methods A systematic review was performed using three main electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE). Studies were assessed by two reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the MAStARI critical appraisal instrument. Results From 3,345 records, 38 were included. Among the 1,144,001 participants, 117,203 (10.24%) were identified as e-cigarette users. The age range with the highest percentage of users was 18-24 years old, with 40,734 (34.75%) males and 34,804 (29.69%) females. The highest prevalence of user was 52.88% in Croatia, followed by 49.62% in New Zealand. Of the e-cigarette users, 33.21% were current cigarette smokers. Other possible correlations were observed with e-cigarettes, such as the use of alcohol. Conclusion Overall, e-cigarette users tended to be young male adults. The highest prevalence use was found in Croatia. This systematic review provides valuable information to improve the development of appropriate intervention strategies targeting e-cigarette users for more accurate anti-smoking actions. Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is growing significantly worldwide, especially among young people. This product has been associated with renormalizing smoking and hindering attempts to quit in smokers. Among nonsmokers, it can lead to subsequent cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of e-cigarette users worldwide. A systematic review was performed using three main electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE). Studies were assessed by two reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the MAStARI critical appraisal instrument. From 3,345 records, 38 were included. Among the 1,144,001 participants, 117,203 (10.24%) were identified as e-cigarette users. The age range with the highest percentage of users was 18-24 years old, with 40,734 (34.75%) males and 34,804 (29.69%) females. The highest prevalence of user was 52.88% in Croatia, followed by 49.62% in New Zealand. Of the e-cigarette users, 33.21% were current cigarette smokers. Other possible correlations were observed with e-cigarettes, such as the use of alcohol. Overall, e-cigarette users tended to be young male adults. The highest prevalence use was found in Croatia. This systematic review provides valuable information to improve the development of appropriate intervention strategies targeting e-cigarette users for more accurate anti-smoking actions.