Sex Differences in E-Cigarette Use and Related Health Effects

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) comprise a variety of products designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other substances. To date, multiple epidemiological and experimental studies have reported a variety of health issues associated with their use, including respiratory toxicit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2023-11, Vol.20 (22), p.7079
Main Authors: Alam, Fatima, Silveyra, Patricia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Electronic cigarettes
Females
Gender differences
Heterosexuality
Males
Nicotine
Risk factors
Smoking cessation
Students
Systematic review
Tobacco
Transgender persons
Vaping
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Summary:Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) comprise a variety of products designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other substances. To date, multiple epidemiological and experimental studies have reported a variety of health issues associated with their use, including respiratory toxicity, exacerbation of respiratory conditions, and behavioral and physiological effects. While some of these effects appear to be sex- and/or gender-related, only a portion of the research has been conducted considering these variables. In this review, we sought to summarize the available literature on sex-specific effects and sex and gender differences, including predictors and risk factors, effects on organ systems, and behavioral effects. Methods: We searched and selected articles from 2018–2023 that included sex as a variable or reported sex differences on e-cigarette-associated effects. Results: We found 115 relevant studies published since 2018 that reported sex differences in a variety of outcomes. The main differences reported were related to reasons for initiation, including smoking history, types of devices and flavoring, polysubstance use, physiological responses to nicotine and toxicants in e-liquids, exacerbation of lung disease, and behavioral factors such as anxiety, depression, sexuality, and bullying. Conclusions: The available literature supports the notion that both sex and gender influence the susceptibility to the negative effects of e-cigarette use. Future research needs to consider sex and gender variables when addressing e-cigarette toxicity and other health-related consequences.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph20227079