Health implications associated with long-term vaping or electronic cigarette use in adults: A systematic review

Mini-Oral Presentation C3.19

Authors

  • Brendan Murphy Queen's University
  • Kathryn Wytenburg Queen's University
  • Eun-Young Lee Queen's University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.793

Keywords:

E-Cigarette, Vaping, Respiratory Disease, Chronic Health Conditions

Abstract

Background: Millions of active e-cigarette users exist in a midst of a rapidly growing industry. However, its long-term effects on health are largely unknown. Purpose: To examine the health impacts of prolonged e-cigarette use. Methods: MEDLINE and google scholar were searched in December 2020. Keywords were vaping, e-cigarette, chronic, long-term, and health impacts. Inclusion criteria were 1) adults (18+years), 2) chronic e-cigarette/vape users, 3) studies published 2010-2020, and 4) written in English. Exclusion criteria included 1) reviews/editorials, 2) smoking cessation interventions, 3) studies without control population, 4) participants with pre-existing co-morbidities, and 5) studies investigated acute outcomes. Covidence software was used for screening and Microsoft Word with a predesigned coding form was used for data extraction, of which the evidence was synthesized from. Results: Based on eight studies included in this review, e-cigarette use demonstrated an independent risk associated with developing chronic illnesses when compared to combustible tobacco use. Socio-economic factors (i.e., sex/race/income/education), substance abuse, and access to healthcare were strong predictors of e-cigarette use and subsequently, the development of respiratory illness. E-cigarette users who did not smoke cigarettes were between 1.40–5.17 times more likely to report COPD than non-e-cigarette users. E-cigarette use also significantly impacted esophageal protein activity and included 14 altered pathways that were not observed in smokers. Conclusion: There was some evidence suggesting a short-term negative impact of e-cigarette use on health. However, there is an extensive need for more prospective studies that investigate the long-term effect of e-cigarette use on chronic illnesses to establish causality. Funding: None.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Murphy, B., Wytenburg, K., & Lee, E.-Y. (2021). Health implications associated with long-term vaping or electronic cigarette use in adults: A systematic review: Mini-Oral Presentation C3.19. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.793

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