Health Effects of Electronic Cigarettes: An Umbrella Review and Methodological Considerations.

ABSTRACT: E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes. However, their health effects, especially those associated with long-term use, remain largely uncertain. We conducted an umbrella review of the cardiopulmonary and carcinogenic risks of e-cigarette use, distinguishing between short-term and long-term health effects. The search for systematic reviews was conducted across four electronic databases through 25 January 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 quality appraisal tool. Seventeen systematic reviews, including five meta-analyses, were included in our umbrella review. There was a clear underreporting of e-cigarette devices and e-liquid types, e-cigarette and cigarette exposure, and the health and smoking status of study participants.

SUBMITTER: Travis N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9330875 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature