Conventional Cigarette Smoking Research Articles

Association of conventional cigarette smoking, heated tobacco product use, and dual use with hearing loss: A working population-based study.

Although conventional cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased risk of hearing loss, the association between heated tobacco products (HTPs) and hearing loss is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between cigarette and HTP use and hearing loss. This cross-sectional study examined the data of 7769 employees from five companies (Study I) and 34404 employees from a large company (Study II), all participants in the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study. The participants were categorized into five groups based on their self-reported tobacco use: never smokers, former smokers, exclusive cigarette smokers, exclusive users of HTPs, and those who used both cigarettes and HTPs. Hearing levels were measured using pure-tone audiometry at 1 and 4 kHz frequencies. Separate analyses were carried out for each study, and the results were then combined using fixed-effect models to pool the estimates. The analysis included 42173 participants, with a prevalence of 12.9% for exclusive cigarette smoking, 9.8% for exclusive HTP use, and 5.5% for dual use. The pooled adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for unilateral hearing loss at 4 kHz were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.10-1.33) for former smokers, 1.83 (95% CI: 1.64-2.05) for exclusive cigarette smokers,1.46 (95% CI: 1.28-1.67) for exclusive HTP users, and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.41-1.96) for dual users, compared to never smokers. Additionally, the adjusted odds ratios for hearing loss at 4 kHz among exclusive cigarette smokers, exclusive HTP users, and dual users increased with the intensity of cigarette/HTP consumption (all p for trend <0.001). No significant associations were found between exclusive HTP use, dual use, and hearing loss at 1 kHz, apart from exclusive cigarette smoking. In this cross-sectional study, associations were found between exclusive cigarette smoking, exclusive HTP use, dual use, and hearing loss, particularly at 4 kHz. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Comparison of the Predictors of Smoking Cessation Plans between Adolescent Conventional Cigarette Smokers and E-Cigarette Smokers Using the Transtheoretical Model

Recently, there has been a shift in smoking patterns among adolescents, with a decrease in the prevalence of conventional cigarette smoking and an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The harmful effects of e-cigarettes are remarkable, highlighting the need for proactive interventions for adolescent users and smoking cessation that consider the characteristics of both conventional cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users. This study aims to investigate the smoking status of adolescent conventional cigarette and e-cigarette smokers and to analyze the predictors of their smoking cessation plans (SCPs) based on the transtheoretical model. Self-rated health, prior smoking cessation education, consciousness-raising, and dramatic relief as types of experiential processes of change, and formation of helping relationships as a type of behavioral process of change significantly differed according to the type of cigarette behavior among adolescents. The predictors of SCP among adolescents were perceived pros of smoking and academic performance among conventional cigarette smokers and behavioral process of change, perceived pros of smoking, and economic status among e-cigarette users. This study identified differences in the characteristics and predictors of SCP. Strategies tailored to each specific adolescent smoking population are further required to promote smoking cessation.

Comparison Between the Conventional and Electronic Smoking Effects on Periodontal Health—A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare the adverse effect of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarette smoking on periodontal health. Materials and Methods: Sixty participants were split into two groups of 30 each (Group A—traditional cigarettes and Group B—e-cigarette smokers). Socio-demographic data, smoking, and oral health status were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Gingival index (GI), Russell’s periodontal index, and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded in patients of both the groups. Results: The mean GI (1.79), periodontal index (5.92), and CAL (3.44) were higher in patients using traditional cigarettes than e-cigarettes. The questionnaire revealed that patients using traditional cigarettes had bleeding gums (32.22%), pus in the gums (39.22%), extracted teeth due to mobility (59.65%), discolored tooth (89.66%), and tongue (71.76%), which was more than e-cigarette smokers. Conclusion: E-cigarette smokers have similar adverse effects on the periodontal tissues but are less as compared to normal cigarette smokers.

Perception of the oral health risks of passive smoking from traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products: A cross-sectional study.

Tobacco smoke is a major health risk factor for smokers but also for non-smokers due to passive smoking. These risks come from conventional cigarette smoke but also from aerosol produced by electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs). The aim of this study was to investigate population knowledge about the adverse effects of passive smoking from traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and HTPs. Between February and October 2023, 504 subjects among the general population responded to a questionnaire with 8 questions in Italian, via a link to the Google Forms platform. The questions related to the oral health effects of active and passive smoking. Descriptive analyses of all variables in the questionnaire were performed, and statistical analyses between variables were carried out using the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. A large subset of individuals interviewed stated that active smoking is harmful to health and consider active smoking more damaging compared with passive smoking (86.3%). The majority believed that passive smoking of cigarettes is more harmful to oral health than passive smoking of HTPs (79.4%) or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) (84.9%). Results suggest that most people in this study had good knowledge about the adverse effects of active or passive smoking on health; however, knowledge regarding e-cigarettes and HTPs was poor and confused. These results reveal the complexity of perceptions regarding different types of smoking and the need for further research to fully understand the risks associated with each type of passive smoking.

The impact of conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco heating systems on the oral mucosa

Relevance. Over the past few years, the popularity of nicotine-containing substances and tobacco heating systems has continued to grow, while the demand for conventional tobacco leaf cigarettes has been falling. Electronic cigarettes consist of a heating system and a liquid with various flavorings. During the operation of the heating stick, the liquid is converted into an aerosol, which the user needs to inhale. First of all, the hot steam comes into contact with the oral cavity. The aerosol components settle on the oral mucosa, the approximal surfaces of the teeth, penetrating the body with a saliva current, expose the oral cavity to prolonged exposure, causing various changes in the oral cavity and causing discomfort to the smoker. This problem is urgent and based on the above, it is necessary to study all possible effects of cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems on the human body.Purpose. To assess the impact of nicotine-containing products and smokeless tobacco on the oral mucosa.Materials and methods. A cohort of 98 patients, aged 20 to 60, was recruited for the study. Participants were divided into four groups: Group 1 consisted of conventional cigarette smokers; Group 2, users of vapes; Group 3, users of IQOS; and Group 4 included patients who used all three device types interchangeably.Results. The investigation identified a direct correlation between the participant's age, the device used, and their level of oral hygiene. The poorest oral hygiene was seen in Group 4, where individuals used a combination of conventional cigarettes, vapes, and IQOS. Although a majority acknowledged the harmful effects of tobacco products, only 33 participants were aware of the negative impacts associated with vapes and IQOS.Conclusion. The lack of regulation and awareness of the health risks associated with IQOS and vaping pose substantial challenges for healthcare, indicating a need for more research into these issues.

Electronic nicotine delivery system use and its relation to waterpipe smoking among youth in seven Arab countries

ObjectivesElectronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) use and Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking (WTS) are reported to be a growing strain of tobacco epidemic among youth in the Arab world. Therefore, we aimed to: (1) estimate the regional prevalence of ENDS use among youth in 7 Arab countries and, (2) to explore the bidirectional relationship between ENDS use and WTS among Arab adolescents. MethodsWe analyzed data from the World Health Organization Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS 2014–2018) of 18,536 schoolchildren aged 12–16 from Iraq, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, and Yemen. The weighted prevalence was calculated to generate nationally representative estimates. Adjusted multilevel logistic regression models were conducted to assess the association between ENDS use and WTS. ResultsThe pooled weighted prevalence of ENDS use was 9.5%. Higher odds of ENDS use were significantly associated with WTS (AOR: 5.26, 95%CI: 4.28–6.46), smoking conventional cigarettes (AOR: 1.54, 95%CI: 1.23–1.94) and first tobacco use prior to the age of 12 (AOR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.14–1.72). Females and children who were taught in school the dangers of tobacco had less odds of using ENDS. ConclusionWTS was associated with increased odds of ENDS use by >5 folds, and vice versa. Tobacco consumption at age younger than 12 years was associated with higher odds of ENDS use, but less odds of WTS. Females and those who were taught in school the dangers of tobacco were less likely to report ENDS use.

To heat or burn? Evidence from heated tobacco product adoption in South Korea

ABSTRACT This paper examines the determinants that induce smokers to switch from conventional cigarettes to heated tobacco products (HTPs). To this end, we collected survey data for Korean adults consisting of 2,356 non-smokers, 1,316 conventional cigarette smokers, and 842 HTP smokers. By employing a bivariate Probit model with sample selection, we estimated the sequential decision process of product choice, whether to smoke, and which tobacco product to choose if they smoked. Our results showed that those who were young, female, and more educated and had under-age children, indoor occupations, and higher health concerns were more likely to switch to HTPs. Furthermore, the incentive to switch to HTPs from conventional cigarettes is aligned with the incentive to quit smoking or become non-smokers. In contrast, we found no evidence that HTPs serve as a gateway for the initiation of smoking. These results suggest that HTPs can play a role in bridging smoking regulations, and that policymakers need to consider their role in designing taxation and health policies.

Heated Tobacco Products Have Detrimental Effects on Rotator Cuff Healing, Similar to Conventional Cigarettes.

Cigarette smoking impairs rotator cuff healing, but no study, to our knowledge, has focused on the association between heated tobacco products and rotator cuff tears. This study retrospectively investigated 1,133 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of symptomatic rotator cuff tears between March 2011 and April 2021. Patients were grouped on the basis of their smoking patterns as nonsmokers, cigarette smokers, and heated tobacco smokers. Propensity score matching was used to reduce selection bias, and 45 subjects were selected from each group via 1:1:1 matching. Functional scores and active range of motion were compared among the 3 groups preoperatively and at a 2-year follow-up. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed 6 months after the surgical procedure to assess structural integrity. Except for sex, similar baseline characteristics were achieved after propensity score matching. There were no differences in the clinical scores or range of motion between the matched groups either preoperatively or at the 2-year follow-up. However, the retear rate for the matched nonsmoker group was significantly lower (8.9%) than those for the matched cigarette smoker group (31.1%) and the heated tobacco smoker group (28.9%) (p = 0.022). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the retear rates were 3.403 times higher for the cigarette smoker group and 3.397 times higher for the heated tobacco smoker group than that for the nonsmoker group. Heated tobacco users, like conventional cigarette smokers, have worse clinical outcomes with respect to rotator cuff healing than nonsmokers. Regardless of the type of cigarette, abstinence from smoking is necessary for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effects of liquid nicotine concentration and flavour on the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among people who smoke participating in a randomised controlled trial to reduce cigarette consumption

BackgroundResearch is needed to understand the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as a smoking reduction aid. This study examines the acceptability of ENDS by liquid nicotine concentration and...

Effect of different types of smoking on oral health and on cellular changes in oral mucosa

ObjectivesSmoking is known to be a major risk factor for several diseases. Recently, electronic cigarettes have been introduced to the market; however, their effect on oral health has not been well studied yet. We aim to compare the effect of different types of smoking on oral health and to evaluate cytomorphological changes in oral mucosa among different types of smokers. Study designA total of 112 participants were recruited, conventional cigarette smokers (n = 28), electronic cigarettes smokers (n = 26), hookah smokers (n = 29) and non-smokers (n = 29). Oral examination, brush cytology and salivary flow test were performed. Cytological smears were stained and examined for cytomorphological changes. Oral symptoms, type, and frequency of smoking were obtained through questionnaires. SPSS program was used for statistical analysis. ResultsMost of the oral symptoms reported in this study were among conventional and electronic cigarettes smokers. While hookah smokers reported the least oral symptoms. Increase in DMFT and gingival index were observed among all smokers, mainly among conventional cigarettes smokers. Conventional cigarette and hookah smokers were found to have the most significant cellular changes. Electronic cigarette smokers had certain cellular changes as well. ConclusionAll types of smoking adversely affect oral health and can induce cellular changes in the oral mucosa.

Long-term effects of chronic exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol on the cardiovascular and pulmonary system in mice: A comparative study to cigarette smoke

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have rapidly gained popularity as alternatives to traditional combustible cigarettes. However, their long-term health impact remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to e-cigarette aerosol (ECA) in mice compared to conventional cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. The mice were exposed to air (control), low, medium, or high doses of ECA, or a reference CS dose orally and nasally for eight months. Various cardiovascular and pulmonary assessments have been conducted to determine the biological and prosthetic effects. Histopathological analysis was used to determine structural changes in the heart and lungs. Biological markers associated with fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress were investigated. Cardiac proteomic analysis was applied to reveal the shared and unique protein expression changes in ECA and CS groups, which related to processes such as immune activation, lipid metabolism, and intracellular transport. Overall, chronic exposure to ECA led to adverse cardiovascular and pulmonary effects in mice, although they were less pronounced than those of CS exposure. This study provides evidence that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than combustible cigarettes for the long-term health of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in mice. However, further human studies are needed to clarify the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

School climate and school identification as determinants of smoking conventional cigarettes or vaping among adolescents in China: Stress-coping mediation mechanisms.

Smoking conventional cigarettes or vaping (SV) poses significant health threats to adolescents. School climate and school identification are key elements of the school environment and potential factors of SV. Based on the Stress Coping Theory, the mediations between school climate/school identification and SV, via perceived stress/active coping, were examined. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among secondary school students from February to March 2022 in Taizhou, China. Structural equation modeling was used. The prevalence of SV among the 7526 participants was 4.7% (singular use of conventional cigarettes: 3.2%; singular use of electronic cigarettes: 3.6%; dual use: 2.1%). School climate, school identification, and active coping were positively, and perceived stress (family stress, academic stress, and peer-related stress) were negatively associated with SV. The association between school climate and SV was fully mediated via: 1) school climate → perceived stress → SV; 2) school climate → active coping → SV; and 3) school climate → perceived stress → active coping → SV. The effect sizes were 52.1%, 43.8%, and 6.3%, respectively. Similar partial mediation mechanisms were found between school identification and SV, with relatively small effect sizes (<10%). This study observed the prevalence of SV among Chinese secondary school students. School climate and school identification had both significant direct and indirect (via perceived stress/active coping) effects on SV. Positive school environments may reduce students' stress and promote active coping. The stress coping mechanisms explained the association between school climate and SV better than between school identification and SV.

Impact of electronic cigarette use on the increased risk of diabetes: the Korean Community Health Survey.

Only a few studies have solely investigated the health impacts of electronic cigarettes on diabetes while considering the impact of conventional cigarettes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of electronic cigarette smoking on diabetes in Korean dual smokers, electronic cigarette smokers, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers. Data were obtained from the 2021 and 2022 Korean Community Health Surveys of 460,603 Korean adults. The main independent variable was smoking behavior. Participants were categorized according to their smoking behavior, as dual smokers, electronic cigarette smokers, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers. The dependent variable, the presence of diabetes, was defined by a doctor's diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between smoking behavior and diabetes. Subgroup analyses were also performed to investigate the associations among different socioeconomic groups. Conventional cigarette smokers had a higher risk of diabetes than did non-smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 1.26). More importantly, those who only vaped electronic cigarettes were at high risk of diabetes (aOR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.31). Lastly, dual smokers had the highest aOR for diabetes among other smoking behavior groups (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.58). Dual smoking was associated with the highest risk of diabetes in most subgroups. This study suggests that conventional cigarette use and smoking electronic cigarettes negatively impact diabetes, and using both types leads to worse health outcomes. Therefore, cessation of all types of smoking is necessary for a healthy life.

Vaping use-associated lung injury in a teenager. Case report

In the last 10–15 years, especially among young people, there has been an increase in the prevalence of vaping, which partially replaces the smoking of conventional cigarettes. The chemicals in vape liquids can provoke the development of non-infectious inflammatory pneumonitis. Symptoms of the disease usually appear within a few months after the start of smoking electronic cigarettes. Vape-associated lung disease is a clinical diagnosis and is established after the exclusion of other respiratory diseases. The article describes a clinical case of vape-associated lung injury in a 17-year-old teenager.

A comparison of electrocardiographic parameters in e-cigarette users, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers

BackgroundSmoking is a major preventable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Tobacco smoking induces atherosclerosis, ischemic heart diseases, and arrhythmias. The impact of electronic cigarettes on cardiovascular health is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the electrocardiographic parameters in chronic electronic cigarette users compared to chronic conventional cigarette smokers and a non-smoker control group of matched age and gender.ResultsThe study involved 105 volunteers with no history of chronic or cardiovascular diseases or cardioactive drug use. Participants were assigned into three study groups, chronic e-cigarette users, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers, each consisting of 35 participants. Demographic data, smoking history, vital signs, and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were evaluated. Demographic data were insignificantly different among all study groups. The mean heart rate was significantly higher in chronic electronic cigarette users and conventional cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001).QRS complex duration was significantly shorter in e-cigarette users and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). Prolonged QT and QTc intervals duration were recorded in e-cigarette users and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). All the ventricular repolarization indices (T wave—peak to T-end (Tpe) interval, TPe/QT ratio, and TPe/QTc ratio were significantly prolonged in chronic e-cigarette users, and conventional smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.001). Mean systolic, diastolic blood pressure, P wave amplitude and duration, and PR interval were insignificantly different between all groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsChronic e-cigarette use is associated with higher heart rates, shorter QRS complex, prolonged QT, QTc duration, and prolonged ventricular repolarization indices compared to non-smokers of matched age and gender. Conclusively, e-cigarette use is associated with negative cardiovascular effects like conventional cigarette smoking.

Plasma oxidative state induced by exercise in young heat-not-burn cigarette users.

Oxidative state, a risk factor for several diseases, is increased by habitual conventional cigarette (CC) smoking. Reports have demonstrated that heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC), which have recently become popular among smokers, generate less oxidative state than CC in smokers with a long smoking history. However, no previous study has examined oxidative state in young HNBC users. Previously, we reported that exercise induces a greater oxidative state in young CC smokers than in never-smokers of similar age, but there was no difference in resting oxidative state. This study aimed to clarify the resting and exercise-induced oxidative states in young HNBC users, compared with those in never-smokers and CC users of similar age. Healthy young never-smokers, HNBC users, and CC users were recruited, and they underwent the Wingate anaerobic test. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise, and the plasma hydroperoxide concentration, a marker of oxidative state, was measured. No significant differences in pre-exercise plasma hydroperoxide concentrations were detected among never-smokers, HNBC users, and CC users (n = 10 each). Plasma hydroperoxide concentration was significantly increased after exercise in all participants. The exercise induced a significant increase in plasma hydroperoxide concentration in HNBC users compared with that in never-smokers (P < .005), but it was significantly decreased compared with that in CC users (P < .01). The use of HNBC increased exercise-induced plasma oxidative state compared with that in never-smokers, indicating that HNBC may lead to the risk of oxidative damage. This study, for the first time, reports exercise-induced oxidative state in young heat-not-burn cigarette users compared with never-smokers and conventional cigarette users. The exercise-induced oxidative state in heat-not-burn cigarette users was higher than that in never-smokers and lower than that in conventional cigarette users. Our study suggests that the use of heat-not-burn cigarettes increases the risk of acute oxidative damage.

Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects in Buccal Mucosal Cells in Non-Smokers and Users of Traditional Combustible Tobacco Products and Non-Combustible Alternatives.

The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to investigate cytogenetic damage to the buccal mucosa in non-smokers and consumers of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives. A total of 160 participants were divided into four groups according to the type of product used, including non-smokers, users of conventional combustible tobacco (cigarettes), heated tobacco, and electronic, tobacco-free vapor products (e-cigarettes). Buccal mucosa samples were analyzed using the micronucleus cytome assay to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic damage. E-cigarette users showed significantly higher values for all tested parameters in the micronucleus test compared to non-smokers (p < 0.05). Similarly, users of tobacco heating products showed an increase in all parameters (p < 0.05), with the exception of the number of cells with micronuclei. Conventional cigarette smokers showed a notable increase in the number of binucleated cells and cells with karyorrhexis and karyolysis (p ≤ 0.05). When assessing the differences between users of traditional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives, these did not appear to be significant, except for e-cigarette users, who had significantly more cells with condensed chromatin (p ≤ 0.001), while users of tobacco heating products had more pyknotic cells (p ≤ 0.001). The results of this study underscore the heightened occurrence of cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in users of both conventional combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives compared to non-smokers, emphasizing the detrimental impact of these products on the oral mucosa.

Perceived relative harm of e-cigarettes among Ukrainian adults.

Emerging evidence suggests that the use of safer nicotine products (SNPs), such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) poses significantly lower health risks than continued smoking, particularly over the short and medium term. However, it remains uncertain whether the public has been adequately informed about these relative risks. This study assesses the perceived relative harm of e-cigarettes compared to conventional cigarettes in Ukraine. Two nationally representative surveys were conducted in February 2021 and December 2022. Participants, irrespective of their smoking status, were asked whether they agreed with the statement that "using e-cigarettes is more harmful than smoking conventional cigarettes". The surveys also included questions about tobacco product usage, the most dangerous substances in cigarettes, and smoking cessation methods. The data were statistically analysed by deriving design-based weighted point estimates and 95% confidence intervals for the proportions within each response category. In 2022, 38.1% (95% CI: 35.3-40.9) of adults believed that e-cigarettes were more harmful than cigarettes and the perception of relative harm remained relatively unchanged between the two surveys. Furthermore, 56.2% (95% CI: 50.0-62.2) of current cigarette smokers agreed with this statement, while only a small percentage of vapers (e-cigarette users) 7.4% (95% CI: 1.5-30.0) perceived e-cigarettes as more harmful than conventional cigarettes. Among non-smokers and dual users the share was 33.4% (95% CI: 30.0-36.9) and 32.7% (95% CI: 25.1-41.5), respectively. Our findings indicate that in Ukraine the perception that e-cigarettes are more harmful than cigarettes, or the lack of knowledge regarding relative risks, prevails. This highlights the importance of accurate risk communication to promote a harm reduction approach to tobacco use.

The Use of Vaping Among Male Health Sciences Students Compared to Other Male Students in Riyadh.

Background Vaping has become widely used by teenagers due to its accessibility, variety of flavors, peer influence, and the thought that it is a less harmful alternative to tobacco smoking. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of vaping among health sciences students compared to other college students in Riyadh and identify reasons for its usage. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in three major universities of Riyadh: King Saud bin Abdulaziz University, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. A self-administered online questionnaire related to the use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes was utilized. It included questions about the use of conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes and the reasons for using them. Responses were compared between health sciences and non-health sciences students in Riyadh. Results An electronic survey was distributed online, and 442 students responded, but two of them did not agree to participate, so they were removed from the sample. Out of 440 students, 312 (71%) were health sciences students, and 128 (29%) were non-health sciences students. Smoking conventional cigarettes was found among 38 (12%) health sciences students, and 22 (17%) non-health college students smoked conventional cigarettes (p=0.16). Regarding vaping, 117 (38%) health sciences students smoked e-cigarettes. On the other hand, 47 (39%) non-health college students smoked e-cigarettes (p=0.99). Anxiety/stress relief (54%) and peer influence (46%) were the most common reasons for those who smoked conventional cigarettes. Regarding the most common reasons behind using e-cigarettes, the majority (55%) considered e-cigarettes less harmful than conventional cigarettes. The second most common reason was having no distinctive odor (36%). Conclusion The study found that there was a high prevalence of the self-reported use of e-cigarettes. It appears that the use of conventional cigarette smoking is not as common as e-cigarettes among university students. This study found that university students tend to use e-cigarettes more than conventional cigarettes due to the belief thate-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional cigarettes.

Differences in diameter and thickness of the seminiferous tubules of male wistar rats (rattus norvegicus) after being exposed to e-cigarette smoke and conventional cigarettes

Background: Electric cigarettes and conventional cigarettes have a detrimental effect on their users. Cigarettes contain ingredients that reduce the quality of male reproduction. Purpose: To determine the differences in diameter and thickness of the seminiferous tubules of male Wistar rats (rattus norvegicus) exposed to electric cigarettes compared to conventional cigarettes. Method: This research is a true experimental research in the laboratory using a post test-only control group design. The treatment group consisted of group K- as the negative control group, group K+ which was included in the smoking chamber but not exposed to cigarette smoke, group P1 which was included in the smoking chamber and exposed to electric cigarette smoke, group P2 which was included in the smoking chamber and exposed to conventional cigarette smoke. The treatment was carried out for 30 days and then testicular samples were taken to calculate diameter and thickness of the seminiferous tubules. Data were analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics and One Way ANOVA and Kruskall Wall is tests. Results: There was a decrease in the diameter and thickness of the seminiferous tubules in the treatment group which was significantly different from the control group. The results of the LSD post hoc test for differences in seminiferous tubule diameter between groups P1 and P2 were p=0.72 &gt; 0.05. The results of the Mann Whitney test showed that the difference in seminiferous tubule thickness between groups P1 and P2 was p=0.06 &gt; 0.05.Conclusion: Exposure to electric and conventional cigarettes caused changes in the diameter and thickness of the seminiferous tubules from normal conditions. There was no significant difference in the impact of exposure to electric and conventional cigarettes, maybe because the damage they produced was not different.