Nicotine Dependence among Adolescents Single and Dual Cigarette Users

Nawwal Alwani Mohd Radzi,Roslan Saub,Zamros Yuzadi Mohd Yusof,Sharol Lail Sujak,Maznah Dahlui

doi:10.3390/children8020144

Nawwal Alwani Mohd Radzi, Roslan Saub + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/children8020144

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Abstract

The prevalence of concurrent use of combustible and electronic cigarettes (dual-use) is on the rise among Malaysian adolescents. This study compares nicotine dependence among exclusive cigarette users, e-cigarette users, and dual adolescent users. A total of 227 adolescent smokers completed a self-administrated questionnaire with items based on Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) incorporated. Endorsement of at least one HONC item indicates nicotine dependence. Exhaled carbon monoxide readings and salivary cotinine data were also collected. Over half (52.9%) of the participants were exclusive e-cigarette users (EC). The prevalence of exclusive conventional cigarette smokers (CC) and dual users was 11.9% and 35.2%, respectively. Adolescents who have mothers with secondary school education were more likely to become addicted to nicotine (Adjusted Odd Ratio (aOR) = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.17–6.32). Adolescents’ “mother’s education” level predicted nicotine dependence. This highlighted the need to target families within the identified demography with a more supportive anti-tobacco program.

Highlights

Smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable deaths from noncommunicable diseases around the world
The large majority of the sample were males (94.7%), and 57.7% were from the lower secondary school, which consisted of schoolchildren aged 13 to 15 years (Form 1 to 3)
The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of the different types of cigarette user in adolescents and explore how nicotine dependence differed based on their demography, smoking behavior, and types of cigarette use

Summary

Introduction

Smoking continues to be a leading cause of preventable deaths from noncommunicable diseases around the world. With an estimated 6 million deaths worldwide due to tobacco use, it is the most critical health risk factor for the global population [1]. Cigarette smoking among adolescents is a public health concern as it is linked to a heavier smoking habit as an adult in the future [1,2,3]. Adolescents display evidence of addiction at a much lower level of tobacco consumption, which results in stronger addiction, a lower success rate of quitting, and higher mortality rate in later life [2,3]. The pattern of tobacco use has shifted from conventional combustible cigarettes to smokeless tobacco and recently, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), with a staggering increase in global sales of e-cigarettes from £0.5 billion in 2009 to £6.1 billion in 2015 [5]

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