Associations between the frequency of electronic cigarette use and smoking-related characteristics among adolescent smokers

Abstract

We aimed to identify associations between the frequency of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and smoking-related characteristics among adolescent smokers. Methods: We used data from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The participants were 3,722 smokers who had smoked cigarettes on at least one day during the past 30 days. The frequency of e-cigarette use was defined as the number of days that participants used e-cigarettes during the past 30 days, and was divided into four categories: 0, 1~2, 3~9, and≥10 days. We used the x2 test and multinomial logistic regression to examine the associations between the frequency of e-cigarette use and smoking-related characteristics. Results: Those who attempted to quit smoking, had used a heated tobacco product (HTP) at least once, or initiated e-cigarette use before middle school were more likely to use e-cigarettes for 3~9 days in the past 30 days. More frequent e-cigarette use (≥10 days) was associated with a higher frequency and greater amount of cigarette use, lifetime HTP use, and earlier initiation of e-cigarette use. Conclusion: Smoking-related characteristics differed by the frequency of e-cigarette use. Therefore, intervention programs targeting adolescent smokers should consider differences in smoking-related characteristics based on the frequency of e-cigarette use.