The profile of electronic cigarette users in Brazil and its clinical variables: analysis of public data between 2019 and 2021.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic profile of electronic cigarette users in Brazil and the clinical variables that may be associated with their use. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data provided by the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) collected between 2019 and 2021. The prevalence of factors was analyzed through bilateral tests with a significance level of 5%. The variables were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test with Monte Carlo simulation. Results: Electronic cigarettes were more consumed by males, aged 18-24, single, and with a tertiary education or higher. The prevalence of people consuming these devices daily was also higher among those who consumed 40 or more conventional cigarettes. Regarding clinical variables, the prevalence of daily consumption occurred among non-hypertensive, non-diabetic, depressive individuals, and those living with smokers at home or at work. Conclusion: Electronic cigarettes prevail among young adults with higher education, with a prevalence of depression and previous use of traditional cigarettes.