Differences in electronic cigarette use among adolescents in Korea: A nationwide analysis

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between e-cigarette use and different sociodemographic factors among Korean adolescents.

The study used the 2017 to 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) data. The study measured sociodemographic status based on living arrangement, economic status, and parental birthplace. We used a Chi-square test to investigate the general characteristics of the study population. We applied multiple logistic regression analysis to analyze the association between e-cigarette use and sociodemographic status. Model 1 included electronic cigarettes only as the outcome variable and model 2 included electronic cigarettes plus combustible cigarettes. The study expressed results as odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

A total of 2.4% of adolescents used e-cigarettes only and 6.5% e-cigarettes and/or conventional cigarettes. In e-cigarettes users (model 1), compared to individuals living with their parents, those living with their relatives (OR 3.23, 95% CI 2.45-4.24) and in protective facilities (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.98-6.39) were more likely to smoke. The "middle" showed lower odds than the "low" economic status group (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.87). Adolescents with both parents born abroad (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.78-4.82) also had a higher likelihood of smoking than those with both native Korean parents. The study found similar trends in model 2, which accounted for both electronic and combustible cigarettes.

E-cigarette use among adolescents was associated with living arrangement, economic status, and parental birthplace. E-cigarettes use among adolescents should be monitored, particularly in the vulnerable groups of adolescents that this study identified.