The Characteristics of Electronic Cigarette User among Korean Smokers: The Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2015
10.21215/kjfp.2019.9.4.324
- Author:
Youn A KIM
1
;
Jiwon LEE
;
Jeonghyo KIM
;
Jaeyeol KIM
;
Young Jin KO
;
Soyeun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Korean Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea. freesia799@naver.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Electronic Cigarettes;
E-Cigarettes;
Smoking Cessation;
Cigarette Smoking
- MeSH:
Adult;
Depression;
Electronic Cigarettes;
Humans;
Korea;
Logistic Models;
Methods;
Nutrition Surveys;
Smoke;
Smoking;
Smoking Cessation;
Tobacco Products
- From:
Korean Journal of Family Practice
2019;9(4):324-330
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Although the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) market is growing rapidly, few studies have been conducted on e-cigarettes in South Korea. This study aims to analyze the general characteristics of Korean adult smokers with e-cigarette use.METHODS: This study used data from the 6th National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine subjects' general characteristics and a questionnaire related to smoking cessation, stress perception, and depression. A frequency analysis of reasons for using e-cigarettes was conducted of 318 subjects of the 2015 NHANS who were smokers and used e-cigarettes.RESULTS: The study found that smokers with experience using e-cigarettes were younger and had a higher income level (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–2.05) than smokers without e-cigarette experience. Professional, management, and office worker groups were associated with e-cigarette use (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.10–1.77). Willingness to quit smoking was also higher in subjects with experience using e-cigarettes (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.09–1.68). The most common reason for smoking cessation in both groups was concern about their own and their family's health. About 50% of smokers with experience using e-cigarettes thought e-cigarettes would be more helpful for smoking cessation than regular cigarettes.CONCLUSION: Although the safety and rationale of using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid are unproven, many smokers consider them a method of smoking cessation. It is necessary to provide correct information on e-cigarettes.
