Use of electronic cigarettes and hookah in Brazil: a new and emerging landscape. The Covitel study, 2022

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of current commercial cigarette smoking, as well as those of e-cigarette and hookah experimentation and current use among adults (= 18 years of age) in Brazil. Methods: This study was based on a countrywide cross-sectional telephone-based survey conducted in 2022. The sample was designed to be representative of the five macroregions in Brazil and included 1,800 individuals from each of the regions. Telephone numbers, using a random digit dialing procedure, were proportionally selected for each direct distance dialing code in each region and then electronically validated (i.e., 900 cell and 900 landline phone numbers per region). Information on current commercial cigarette smoking (regardless of frequency/amount), as well as lifetime history of or current e-cigarette and hookah use (regardless of amount), were collected. Results: The prevalence of lifetime history of e-cigarette and hookah use was identical (7.3%; 95% CI: 6.0-8.9), whereas the prevalence of current commercial cigarette smoking was 12.2% (95% CI: 10.4-14.1). Young adults (18-24 years) had the highest prevalence of e-cigarette experimentation (19.7%; 95% CI: 15.1-17.0) and hookah experimentation (17%; 95% CI: 12.2-23.2). E-cigarette and hookah use was more common in the Central-West region and among those with a high level of education, whereas current commercial cigarette smoking was more common among those with a lower level of education. Individuals who used the three forms of nicotine delivery corresponded to 1.5% of the sample (nearly 2 million individuals based on the estimated size of the Brazilian adult population). Conclusions: Surveillance is essential for the monitoring and prevention of these new forms of nicotine consumption.

Profile of Brazilian Undergraduates Who Use Electronic Cigarettes: a Cross-Sectional Study on Forbidden Use

“…In this regard, 26.7% of respondents reported having tried e-cigarettes in their lifetime, approximately 12% in the last 12 months, and 5.5% within the last 30 days. This prevalence was higher than the 7.3% recently reported for lifetime use among Brazilians aged 18 or older, as previously mentioned by Menezes et al ( 2023 ).…”

“…Another worrying point was the extensive use of tobacco products among respondents who reported using e-cigarettes: 78% of e-cigarette users reported smoking other tobacco products (cigarettes or hookah). Consistently, in Brazil, Menezes et al ( 2023 ) recently pointed out that 1.5% of their sample reported using three forms of nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes, conventional cigarettes, and hookah), which corresponded to nearly 2 million individuals based on the estimated size of the Brazilian adult population.…”

“…In a recent countrywide cross-sectional telephone-based survey conducted in 2022, which included 9004 Brazilians aged 18 or older, 7.3% reported using an e-cigarette during their lifetime. Young adults aged 18–24 and those with a high education level had the highest e-cigarette experimentation prevalence (Menezes et al, 2023 ).…”

Posicionamento da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia sobre o Uso de Dispositivos Eletrônicos para Fumar – 2024

“…Entre os usuários de cigarros eletrônicos de 15 a 24 anos, 63% nunca experimentaram cigarro convencional, indicando que os DEFs têm se tornado a forma de iniciação ao fumo na juventude. 45 , 46…”

Atualizações acerca dos efeitos tóxicos gerados pelo uso do uso do cigarro eletrônico: uma revisão de literatura

“…Assim, subpopulação de adolescentes e jovens de 15-24 anos foi a que apresentou as maiores prevalências de uso de DEF em ambos estudos e a proporção desses usuários aumentou consideravelmente de 2015 para 2019. Por fim, outro ponto importante é que dentre os jovens de 15-24 anos, 62,5% nunca haviam fumado cigarros industrializados, fato que pode contribuir para a formação de um novo grupo de dependentes de nicotina e oferecer um futuro risco a saúde pública Menezes et al, 2023).…”