METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on adults 18 years of age and older in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from December 2023 to March 2024. Data were collected from the participants using a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire, and nicotine dependence was assessed using the modified e-FTND. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation were applied. Chi-square was used to assess the association between categorical variables. Ordinal regression was used to predict the nicotine dependency levels with different variables.
RESULTS: A total of 344 participants were included in the study. The mean e-FTND score for EC users was 4.14 ± 2.45. Females had a lower likelihood of experiencing higher dependence compared to males (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.85). Using ECs for more than three years was associated with higher odds of increased dependence (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.28, 7.98; p < 0.001). The use of Pod system devices lowered the odds of developing high nicotine dependence (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.75; p = 0.01) compared to Iqos device users, while mechanical Mod device users exhibited a trend towards higher dependence, although it was not statistically significant. Nicotine concentration in ECs had a significant impact on the degree of nicotine dependence. Higher concentrations were associated with increased odds of higher dependence (12-18 mg: OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.55, 6.91; >18 mg: OR = 4.53, 95% CI: 2.37, 8.75; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Most exclusive EC users in the study developed a moderate nicotine dependence level. The EC device type and nicotine concentration were significant drivers of nicotine dependence. Additionally, the personal characteristics of the users, such as male gender and duration of use, were associated with a higher risk of dependence. An in-depth understanding of the magnitude of nicotine dependence among EC users will enhance the opportunity for tailored health-enhancing interventions and policies.
方法:对吉达18岁及以上的成年人进行了横断面分析研究,沙特阿拉伯,从2023年12月到2024年3月。使用预先测试的结构化自我管理问卷从参与者那里收集数据,使用改良的e-FTND评估尼古丁依赖性。描述性统计,如频率,意思是,并应用标准偏差。卡方用于评估分类变量之间的关联。序数回归用于预测具有不同变量的尼古丁依赖水平。
结果:总共344名参与者被纳入研究。EC用户的平均e-FTND评分为4.14±2.45。与男性相比,女性具有较高的依赖性的可能性较低(OR=0.52,95%CI:0.32,0.85)。使用ECs超过三年与依赖性增加的几率相关(OR=3.18,95%CI:1.28,7.98;p<0.001)。与Iqos设备用户相比,使用Pod系统设备降低了发生高尼古丁依赖的几率(OR=0.32,95%CI:0.13,0.75;p=0.01),虽然MechanicalMod设备用户表现出更高依赖性的趋势,虽然没有统计学意义。ECs中的尼古丁浓度对尼古丁依赖程度有显著影响。更高的浓度与更高的依赖性几率增加相关(12-18mg:OR=3.26,95%CI:1.55,6.91;>18mg:OR=4.53,95%CI:2.37,8.75;p<0.001)。
结论:研究中的大多数独家EC使用者出现了中度尼古丁依赖水平。EC设备类型和尼古丁浓度是尼古丁依赖的重要驱动因素。此外,用户的个人特征,例如男性性别和使用时间,与较高的依赖风险相关。深入了解欧共体使用者对尼古丁的依赖程度,将增加制定针对性的健康促进干预措施和政策的机会。