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INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have emerged as a new paradigm in nicotine delivery systems. Although they are marketed as safer alternatives to tobacco, public perceptions of their safety and utility vary widely. This study aims to understand the percentage of use, factors associated, perceptions, and attitudes about e-cigarettes among Ecuadorian adults. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the Ecuadorian population aged 18-65 years through a convenience sample, using a structured online questionnaire designed to collect responses from voluntary participants over three months, from February to April 2023. The questionnaire assessed the respondents' attitudes and perceptions towards e-cigarettes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and adjusted logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with e-cigarette use. RESULTS Out of a total of 3047 Ecuadorian adults, the percentage of e-cigarette ever use was 27.9% (n=850), with 19.4% being current users and 8.5% former users. A negative stance towards e-cigarettes was predominant, with 66.3% considering e-cigarette use a public health problem in Ecuador. A significant association was observed between e-cigarette use and perceived harmfulness (p<0.001). Among non-users, there was a predominant stance in favor of control measures and disapproval of e-cigarette use among minors (p<0.001). The factors associated with the use of electronic cigarettes included being health personnel (AOR=1.51; 95% CI: 1.26-1.80). Older age (aged >24 years) and a history of tobacco use were associated with lower e-cigarette use (current users, OR=0.31; 95% CI: 0.25-0.38; previous users, OR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.18-0.28). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight a significant percentage of e-cigarette use among Ecuadorian adults, especially among younger groups. There is a need for comprehensive public health education about e-cigarettes in Ecuador. There is strong support from the public for control measures, suggesting the potential acceptability of regulations concerning e-cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous lymphadenitis or scrofula, also called colliquative tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most common clinical form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, at present it is of rare occurrence and there are no reports in Ecuador. CLINICAL CASE: A 75-year-old female patient with 2 years of evolution of adenopathies in the neck, which abscessed and drained spontaneously, leaving scars. Acid-alcohol bacilli (BAAR) was observed in the aspirate of one of the lymph nodes by the Ziehl-Neelsen technique, initiating treatment with pyrazinamide, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol for six months. In subsequent controls, fistula closed and flattening of the lymph nodes were observed, and clinical cure was determined. CONCLUSIONS: Since this is a rare clinical presentation of M. tuberculosis infection, its publication is important to alert health workers, for its early diagnosis and timely treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]