Electronic cigarette use and its association with smoking in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a study examining the relationship between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and smoking behaviors in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents. The study aims to understand the associations between e-cigarette use and smoking intention, nicotine addiction, and smoking cessation in this population.

Key Points:

* The study used a cross-sectional survey design, with a sample size of 45,128 students.
* E-cigarette use was associated with smoking intention in never, experimental, and ex-smokers.
* In current smokers, e-cigarette use was associated with nicotine addiction but not with quit intention and attempts.
* E-cigarette use was more prevalent in students who reported an intention to smoke and morning smoking.
* The prevalence of e-cigarette use was similar in students who intended to quit and those who had made quit attempts.
* Dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes was less prevalent in the sample compared to other countries.
* E-cigarette use was associated with heavier smoking and morning smoking in current smokers.

Main Message:
The study highlights the association between e-cigarette use and smoking behaviors in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents. The results suggest that e-cigarette use may serve as a gateway to conventional cigarette smoking in never and experimental smokers, and may exacerbate nicotine dependence in young smokers. Therefore, it is crucial to regulate e-cigarette use and educate adolescents about the potential adverse effects on health and nicotine addiction.

Wang, Man Ping, Sai Yin Ho, Lok Tung Leung, and Tai Hing Lam. “Electronic Cigarette Use and Its Association with Smoking in Hong Kong Chinese Adolescents.” Addictive Behaviors 50 (November 2015): 124–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.06.037.