Assessing the Perceptions, Usage Patterns, and Health Outcomes of Vaping as a Harm Reduction Strategy among Current and Former Smokers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Smoking remains a significant public health concern in the UAE, with efforts to reduce its prevalence facing various challenges. Vaping has emerged as a potential harm reduction strategy, yet little is known about its perceptions, usage patterns, and health outcomes among smokers and ex-smokers in the country. This study aims to assess the perceptions of vaping, its usage patterns, and self-reported health outcomes among current and former smokers in the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults and ex-smokers across the UAE. A structured questionnaire will collect data on demographics, smoking and vaping history, perceived harm reduction, usage patterns, and self-reported health effects. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models were analyzed for the data. Results: In the research, 290 participants identified as male (93.1%), with their mean age at 34.7 years (±9.2). Most individuals who started vaping were between 19 and 25 years of age (52.8%). Current smokers evaluated vaping more favorably than former smokers on all key dimensions, although harm reduction, harm reduction support, and social approval ratings proved particularly significant (p < 0.01). Former smokers provided evidence showing they consider vaping to be a substance with addictive properties (p < 0.001) aimed at youth (p < 0.01) and dangerous to use occasionally (p < 0.01). A significant number of 41.4% of participants showed better…
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