PREVALENCE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE SMOKING AND ITS RELATED BEHAVIORS AND BELIEFS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA
- Preventive Medicine Resident , Saudi Board, Taif Health Cluster, KSA.
- Preventive Medicine, Saudi Board, Mecca Health Cluster, KSA.
- Medical Student, Umm Alqura University, College Of Medicine, Makkah , KSA.
- Abstract
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Background: The rapid rise of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among adolescents has become a global public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of e-cigarette use among high school students in Makkah and explore related behaviors, beliefs, and influencing factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 476 high school students (grades 10-12) selected through multi-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using an adapted version of the CDC's National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) and analyzed using SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were employed to examine associations.
Conclusion: This study reveals alarmingly high e-cigarette use among Makkah adolescents, influenced by accessibility, flavors, and family factors. The findings underscore the urgent need for school-based interventions, stricter sales regulations, and targeted prevention programs addressing the unique cultural and social drivers of youth vaping in Saudi Arabia. Policy measures should prioritize flavor restrictions and improved cessation resources to curb this emerging public health crisis.
[Abdulghaffar Talal Halawani, Salman Mukhaydhir Alsubhi and Abdulmajeed Talal Halawani (2025); PREVALENCE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE SMOKING AND ITS RELATED BEHAVIORS AND BELIEFS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA Int. J. of Adv. Res. (Oct). 1425-1442] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com
