Associations Between Tobacco Use Behaviors and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults: Analysis of the 2020–2022 KNHANES
- Author:
Jinsun KIM
1
;
Seungju KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2026;59(2):174-183
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This study examined the association between various tobacco product use behaviors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean adults.
Methods:Data from 15 359 adults aged ≥19 years who participated in the 2020–2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Participants were classified as dual users, e-cigarettes (EC; nicotine-containing liquid-type)/ heated tobacco products (HTP) users, cigarette-only users, ex-smokers, or non-smokers. MetS was defined according to the NCEP ATP III criteria. Subgroup analyses were conducted by survey year and age group. Complex-sample cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results:All types of tobacco product use were associated with an increased likelihood of MetS compared with non-smokers. This association was particularly evident among dual users (odds ratio [OR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.94) and cigarette-only users (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.41). The highest risk was observed among adults aged 19–39 years and among dual users in 2020.
Conclusions:Dual use and cigarette smoking were associated with a higher likelihood of MetS, particularly among younger adults. Efforts are needed to reduce the misconception that EC/HTP products are less harmful alternatives and to strengthen education and prevention in order to prevent changes in tobacco use behavior from leading to new health risks.
