Highest prevalence of respiratory symptoms among smokers who also use e-cigarettes

Abstract

Aim: To study the prevalence and associated factors of e-cigarette use in Swedish adults. Methods: In 2016, the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) and West Sweden Asthma study (WSAS) conducted postal questionnaire surveys among adults aged 20-75y. In OLIN, n=6,519 participated (53% of invited) and in WSAS n=23,753 (50% of invited). The same validated questionnaire was used, including identical questions about respiratory symptoms, smoking habits and current e-cigarette use. Results: Overall, 2% used e-cigarettes and 12% were smokers. E-cigarette use was more common among men than women, 2.2 vs. 1.8% (p Conclusions: E-cigarette use was most common among smokers and the dual users had the highest prevalence of respiratory symptoms. In order to determine whether e-cigarette use contributes to smoking cessation or if it increases the burden of respiratory disease, prospective studies are warranted.