Abstract
BackgroundThe different profiles of e-cigarette users in different age groups have seldom been investigated, particularly in populations facing a high prevalence of cigarette smoking. This study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of e-cigarette use separately for adolescents and adults in nationally representative samples in Taiwan.MethodsAmong 17,837 participants in the 2014 National Survey of Substance Use in Taiwan, 4445 were aged 12 to 17 years and 13,392 were aged 18 to 64 years. Individuals’ lifetime tobacco use was divided into four groups: non-use, exclusive e-cigarette use, exclusive cigarette use, and dual use. Questions on sociodemographic features, use and problematic use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, and psychosocial distress, among others, were administered using a computer-assisted self-interview on tablet computers.ResultsAmong lifetime users of e-cigarette (2.2% for adults and 0.8% for adolescents), 4.5% for adults and 36.6% for adolescents were exclusive e-cigarette users. From use of exclusive e-cigarettes to use of exclusive cigarettes to dual use, those usage groups were related to an increasing trend of adjusted odds ratios for use of other psychoactive substances, particularly problematic use of alcohol or drugs, and with more depressive symptoms. Two correlates were specific to e-cigarette use: alcohol use had stronger relationships with e-cigarette use among adolescents, and younger adults (18–34) were more likely to try e-cigarettes compared to older adults.ConclusionsThese results provide essential information regarding e-cigarette use in the general population, and future prevention strategies should account for its specific correlates in young people.
Highlights
Cigarette smoking accounts for a notable proportion of the global burden of disease.[1]
The prevalence of tobacco smoking is especially high in South, Southeast, and East Asia.[2]
The declining prevalence of tobacco smoking has reached a plateau recently; the prevalence in adults was 32.5% in 1990 and 16.4% in 2013 but increased to 17.1% in 2014.4 a 3-year national survey found that the incidence rates of tobacco smoking in adolescents increased from 4.4% in 2004 to 8.4% in 2006.5 Preventing cigarette smoking initiation among adolescents remains a challenge for tobacco control in Taiwan
Summary
Cigarette smoking accounts for a notable proportion of the global burden of disease.[1]. The declining prevalence of tobacco smoking has reached a plateau recently; the prevalence in adults was 32.5% in 1990 and 16.4% in 2013 but increased to 17.1% in 2014.4 a 3-year national survey found that the incidence rates of tobacco smoking in adolescents increased from 4.4% in 2004 to 8.4% in 2006.5 Preventing cigarette smoking initiation among adolescents remains a challenge for tobacco control in Taiwan. E-Cigarette Use in Taiwan they have not necessarily been legally permitted.[6] Non-smokers’ use of e-cigarettes might increase their likelihood to smoke cigarettes.[7] In particular, e-cigarettes with flavored e-liquids have been increasingly popular among young people.[8] the importation and sales of e-cigarettes were explicitly banned in Taiwan in 2014 and have remained banned since ,[9] there have been reports of the smuggling of e-cigarettes into Taiwan.[10].
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