Association between possibility of purchasing cigarettes and e-cigarette experience among Korean Adolescent smokers

Abstract

Background: To aim of this study was to examine the association between perceived possibility of purchasing cigarettes and e-cigarette experience among adolescents who currently smoke cigarettes. Methods: Data were derived from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey; a total of 29,169 current smokers participated. The dependent variable was e-cigarette experience in the previous month. Analyses included c2 test and survey logistic regression. Results: A perceived easy possibility of purchasing cigarettes increased the odds of e-cigarette experience (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.33) compared to when it was perceived as impossible. An easy possibility of purchasing cigarettes increased the odds of e-cigarettes experience among males aged 12-15 or 17 years compared to when it was impossible to purchase cigarettes. Conclusion: A perceived easy possibility of purchasing cigarettes was more likely to increase e-cigarette experience among adolescents. Laws restricting adolescents' access to e-cigarettes must be strengthened.