Summary
Introduction:
In this text, you will learn about a study examining the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and respiratory symptoms in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. The study surveyed secondary school students and recorded information on smoking status, use of e-cigarettes, and respiratory symptoms. The study aimed to assess the association between e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms, adjusting for potential confounding variables.
Key points:
* The study surveyed 45,128 secondary school students in Hong Kong during 2012-2013.
* Smoking status was categorized as never-smoking, experimental smoking, ex-smoking, and current smoking.
* Use of e-cigarettes in the past 30 days and respiratory symptoms (cough or phlegm) for 3 consecutive months in the past 12 months were recorded.
* The study found that e-cigarette use was significantly associated with respiratory symptoms in the overall sample (AOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.56) and in never-smokers (AOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.24-3.42).
* Positive but nonsignificant associations were observed in ever-smokers (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.14-1.70) and ex-smokers (AOR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02-1.91).
* The study controlled for potential confounding variables, including sociodemographic characteristics, secondhand smoke exposure, and school clustering effects.
* Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are banned in Hong Kong, but nicotine-free e-cigarettes are not regulated and are available from the internet and retail stores.
Main message:
The study found an association between e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong, particularly in never-smokers. These findings suggest that e-cigarette use may independently predict respiratory symptoms and support the World Health Organization's recommendation to regulate e-cigarette use, especially in children. The availability of nicotine-free e-cigarettes in Hong Kong without regulation is a potential concern, given the strong association of respiratory symptoms observed in never-smokers. These findings highlight the importance of regulating e-cigarette use to protect the health of adolescents.
Citation
Wang, Man Ping, Sai Yin Ho, Lok Tung Leung, and Tai Hing Lam. “Electronic Cigarette Use and Respiratory Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents in Hong Kong.” JAMA Pediatrics 170, no. 1 (January 1, 2016): 89. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.3024.
