A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of tobacco use with a focus on e-cigarettes and related factors among dentists and medical doctors in Hamdard University Medical and Dental Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette consumption among Medical and Dental Doctors of Hamdard University Karachi Pakistan, and analyze the relationship among the distinct demographic characteristics with the consumption of tobacco products. Therefore, a questionnaire was drafted by following a standard protocol. A total of 407 participants among the doctors and dentist (mean age: 40 ± 20 years, M/F=193/214) of the Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan were interviewed in this survey. Frequency and percentage of this data was calculated by using descriptive statistics. Chi square of association was also used to analyze the consumption of tobacco with contrasting demographic characteristics. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Among 407 responses it was found that 126 males and 28 females were addicted to conventional smoking while, 70 males and 34 females were addicted to e-cigarettes. After applying the Pearson chi square test, it was found that smoking and consumption of e-cigarette have the positive and significant association between gender (p≤0.05). Whereas, significant difference was also observed according to the department, age, designation (p≤0.05). It was also found that 118 medical doctors and 80 dentists were addicted to tobacco product. Among them most of the respondents were house officers (n=164) followed by resident medical Officers (n=57). It was also observed that Smoking and e-cigarette have insignificant positive association with the martial status (p≥0.05). Majority of the respondents report that they started e-cigarette to quit smoking. It is concluded that there is a misconception about e-smoking. Apparently, many individuals believe that e-smoking is safer than conventional smoking. This was concluded that, people are unaware about the harmful effect of e-smoking. Campaign and seminars should be conducted regarding the harmful effects of e-smoking. Furthermore, larger population should be selected that will generalize findings of the current study. Keywords: E-smoking, tobacco products, Pearson chai square test, dentists, Hamdard University Karachi.