Patterns of Tobacco Smoking and Nicotine Vaping among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Luai A. Ahmed,Marina Verlinden,Basema Saddik,Rami H. Al-Rifai,Reem Hamad Alahbabi,Mariam Ali Alobeidli,Radeya AlKatheeri,Abderrahim Oulhaj

doi:10.3390/ijerph18147652

Abstract

Various forms of tobacco smoking and nicotine vaping tools are available on the market. This study quantified the prevalence of and identified factors associated with patterns of smoking and nicotine vaping among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional sample of students enrolled in three public universities was surveyed. Self-reported current smoking and nicotine vaping were recorded. Of 1123 students, 81.7% completed the online survey (mean age, 20.7 ± 3.4 (SD) years; 70.7% females). The prevalence of current smoking was 15.1% while the prevalence of current nicotine vaping was nearly 4.0%. Among current smokers, 54.7% reported conventional smoking only, 15.1% reported nicotine vaping only, and 28.8% were poly-users. Conventional midwakh (47.5%), followed by conventional shisha/waterpipe (36.7%), conventional cigarettes (36.7%), electronic shisha/waterpipe (25.2%), and electronic cigarettes (24.5%), were most commonly reported by students. Students aged 20–25 years (adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–3.67) or >25 years (aOR: 4.24, 95% CI: 1.41–12.80) had higher odds of being current smokers compared to those aged 17–19 years. The male gender was also independently associated with higher odds of being a current smoker (aOR: 5.45, 95% CI: 3.31–8.97) as well as higher odds of smoking cigarettes, shisha, and midwakh, or nicotine vaping compared to being female. Of nicotine vaping users, 36.1% reported using nicotine vaping because they enjoyed the flavor and vaporizing experience and 34.4% used it to help them to quit smoking. A relatively high prevalence of self-reported smoking was reported among university students in the UAE. The findings also suggest that nicotine vaping use is relatively widespread, but still less common than traditional smoking. Vigilant and tailored university-based smoking control and preventive measures are warranted.

Highlights

IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 20.2% of the world’s population aged ≥ 15 years were current smokers in 2015 [1]
E-cigarette and e-shisha/waterpipe use were reported by 3.7% and 3.8% of students, respectively (Table 1)
This study revealed the prevalence of and identified sociodemographic factors associated with various patterns of smoking and e-cigarette/electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Summary

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 20.2% of the world’s population aged ≥ 15 years were current smokers in 2015 [1] This estimate indicated that smoking rates have decreased by 6.7% globally since 2000 [1]. The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is expected to achieve an 11% relative reduction in smoking rates by 2025; the projected reduction in the EMR is slow compared to other regions [1]. This may be due to the increasing use of cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco smoking, especially shisha ( known as waterpipe, hookah, or narghile) [2] and midwakh [3,4]

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Discussion

Conclusion