In this section, you will see a search conducted across a number of databases for studies relating to the association between e-cigarettes and asthma in adolescents. The search statement below has been adapted from a systematic review and meta-analysis published on this very topic in 2023.
Image by master1305 on Freepik
The main concepts identified were asthma / e-cigarettes
Note: The concept ‘adolescent’ was not included as studies related to adolescents would be selected at the screening stage. It is also likely that some studies could have included adolescents and older young people and it would not be helpful to exclude them. It would also be important to view all studies conducted to get a comprehensive overview of all the research conducted on this relatively recent topic.
Using the Library's search statement template a search statement for this topic was created.
Click on image below to download the completed search statement template.
OVID Medline - Subject Headings and free text terms (Title OR Abstract)
In this search MESH headings were identified and searched in combination with a free text search (limited to Title and Abstract only). The following steps were carried out:
1. Select Search Tools to map terms against MESH headings (asthma)
a. Select relevant subject headings and explode
2. Select Multi-Field Search to search for free text terms
a. Select title field OR abstract field and enter terms
3. Combine results set for subject terms and free text terms for each concept using OR
4. Combine results of each set using AND
Search results:
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Screenshot from Ovid Medline
Note: Search number 8 is the result set for the terms searched across 'all fields'.
Pubmed- All Fields Search
Note: Select 'Advanced Search' - the default search is 'all fields'.
(asthma*) AND ("electronic nicotine delivery systems" or "electronic cigarette*" or "e cigarette*" or "e cigs" or vape* or vaping or "electronic hookahs" or "e hookahs")
Pubmed - Title/Abstract Search
Note: Select 'Advanced Search' - the default search is 'all fields' so you will have to select title/abstract to begin your search (click on all fields and scroll down). For each concept, search title/abstract field, followed by the 'Mesh Term' field for the MeSH terms identified when you devised your search strategy.
Cinahl Ultimate (Ebsco) - Subject Headings and free text terms (Title OR Abstract)
In this search CINAHL Subject headings were identified and searched in combination with a free-text search (limited to Title and Abstract only). The following steps were carried out:
1. Select CINAHL Subject Headings to map terms against MESH headings (asthma)
a. Search for your free text terms one at a time.
b. Select relevant subject headings - check the scope notes, and ‘used for’ information to guide your decision.
c. Explode if the narrower/lower terms are relevant.
2. Select Advanced Search to search for free text terms
a. Enter free text terms & select ‘TI Title’ for the first select a field option.
b. Change the Boolean operator to OR using the drop-down menu.
c. Enter the same free-text terms & select abstract for the second field option.
3. Combine results set for subject terms and free text terms for each concept using OR
a. Select the search ID’s from search history and click ‘Search with OR’.
4. Combine results of each set using AND
a. Select the search ID’s from search history and click ‘Search with AND’.
Search results:
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S6 |
TI ( "electronic nicotine delivery systems" OR "electronic cigarette*" OR "e cigarette*" OR "e cig*" OR vape* OR vaping ) OR AB ( "electronic nicotine delivery systems" OR "electronic cigarette*" OR "e cigarette*" OR "e cig*" OR vape* OR vaping ) |
7,987 |
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Screenshot from search in CINAHL Ultimate:
Click on image to view in full.
Embase - Subject Headings and free text terms (Title OR Abstract)
In this search Emtree headings (controlled vocabulary used in Embase) were identified and searched in combination with a free text search (limited to Title and Abstract only). The following steps were carried out:
Search results:
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#6 |
'electronic nicotine delivery systems':ab,ti OR 'electronic cigarette*':ab,ti OR 'e cigarette*':ab,ti OR 'e cig*':ab,ti OR vape*:ab,ti OR vaping:ab,ti |
16,791 |
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Screenshot from search in Embase:
Click on image to view in full.
Web of Science (Core Collection) - Free text Search
As there are no Controlled Terms available on the Web of Science it is only possible to do a free text search
The search was limited to the TOPIC field meaning it searches title, abstract, keyword plus, and author keywords. the following keywords were searched.
(asthma*) AND ("electronic nicotine delivery systems" or "electronic cigarette*" or "e cigarette*" or "e cigs" or vape* or vaping or "electronic hookahs" or "e hookahs")
As each database works differently it may be necessary to adapt your search statement. The syntax/search operators will vary from one to another. Take a look at our helpful guide below covering all key databases.
