Association between e-cigarette smoking and different lifestyle patterns among young adults in Saudi Arabia

Background: E-cigarette use has been linked with multiple morbidities and changes in health behavior. This study investigates e cigarette use with sleep patterns, stress levels, and physical activity behavior and compare it with nonsmokers.Methods: A standardized electronic questionnaire for sleep, stress, and physical activity assessment was used on 372 students enrolled in a large university. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.Results: The mean age of the study population was around 20 years, with e-cigarette use higher in males. The mean age of smoking initiation was 17 years. The intention to play sports and physical activity differed between smokers and nonsmokers. E-cigarette users practiced sports to remain fit while nonsmokers intended to play sports for enjoyment; however, no significant difference in the level of fitness was found. Sleep behavior and stress levels were similar across the two groups.Conclusion: No difference in lifestyle patterns between e-cigarette users and nonsmokers may be due to lesser smoking duration since initiation. Longitudinal studies with diverse populations and a longer duration of e-cigarette use are recommended to explore the effects of e-cigarette smoking on lifestyle behavior