Perceptions Regarding the Use of E-cigarettes Among Smokers in Saudi Arabia

Background Adults and young people select electronic cigarettes (ECs) due to their perceived lower risk compared to traditional combustible cigarettes. Objective This study aimed to measure the perceptions of the use of electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool among the population of Saudi Arabia. Methods Between October 2023 and November 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study of Saudi Arabia's general population over prominent social media platforms. We strictly adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines to report our results. Results Of the 376 total participants, the majority (89.6%) were male, with a median age of 35 years, and 96.3% were of Saudi nationality. Nearly half (47.3%) held Bachelor's degrees. Approximately 55.6% reported having previously attempted to quit smoking on multiple occasions. The predominant method for quitting was the use of ECs, which was reported by 88.7% of the participants. Nearly two-thirds (70%) perceived ECs as an effective cessation tool. Among those who had used EC to quit smoking, 62.5% had succeeded, while one-third (37.5%) were unsuccessful. The most frequently reported side effects were sore throat, changes in appetite, and headache, each of which affected ~50% of the participants. Conclusion This study highlights the complex relationship between EC use and smoking cessation among Saudi Arabian smokers. Although many users perceive ECs as effective cessation tools, their actual success rates in terms of long-term abstinence from smoking are questionable.