E-Cigarette Use Behaviors and Lung Function Among Employees in Alcoholic-Serving Restaurants

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate e-cigarette use behaviors, the prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function, and factors associated with abnormal pulmonary function among restaurant employees in a province of Thailand. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and spirometry. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The participants comprised equal numbers of males and females (50.0% each). Most were aged 25–44 years, with the largest proportion aged 25–30 years (73.33%). The majority were single (70.0%) and had hypertension (76.67%). Stress was the most commonly reported reason for e-cigarette use (46.67%). More than half reported daily use (53.33%). Most participants-initiated e-cigarette use at 15–25 years of age (80.0%), with the youngest initiation age being 15 years. The most popular device type was the pod-based e-cigarette (56.67%). Abnormal pulmonary function was found in 30.0% of participants, predominantly mild restrictive ventilatory impairment (20.0%). Fisher’s exact test was used to examine associations, and crude odds ratios (Crude OR) with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Factors significantly associated with abnormal pulmonary function (p-value < 0.05) included age ≥ 40 years, e-cigarette use duration ≥ 8 years, and initiation of e-cigarette use at age ≤ 25 years. These findings suggest that e-cigarette use may adversely affect pulmonary function. Therefore, health education and measures to reduce e-cigarette use among restaurant employees should be promoted.