Tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking among in-school adolescents in Vietnam between 2013 and 2019: prevalence and associated factors.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the prevalence and associated factors of tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking among in-school adolescents in Vietnam between 2013 and 2019. The study aims to compare the data from two rounds of the national representative Vietnam Global School-based Student health Survey (GShS) conducted in 2013 and 2019. The text also identifies the factors associated with tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking among in-school adolescents to inform future prevention programs.

Key Points:

* The study found a significant reduction in the prevalence of current smoking (water pipes and cigarettes) from 5.4% in 2013 to 2.8% in 2019.
* In 2019, 2.6% of the in-school adolescents reported having used electronic cigarette products in the past 30 days.
* Factors associated with a significantly higher likelihood of current smoking status included gender, loneliness, suicidal ideation, sexual activity, truancy, and alcohol consumption.
* Similar patterns were observed for e-cigarettes.
* The study also found that having close friends, parental monitoring, parental understanding, and parental respect were protective factors against tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking.
* The study suggests that follow-up studies are needed to further investigate causal factors so that future policies and communication programs can be more effectively targeted to reduce smoking in adolescents.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for continued monitoring and prevention efforts to reduce tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking among in-school adolescents in Vietnam. The findings suggest that interventions should target factors such as loneliness, suicidal ideation, sexual activity, truancy, and alcohol consumption, while also promoting protective factors such as having close friends, parental monitoring, parental understanding, and parental respect. The study also underscores the importance of addressing the rise in electronic cigarette use among adolescents, which has become a growing public health concern. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies to reduce tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking among adolescents in Vietnam.

Van Minh h, Long Kq, Van Vuong D, et al. Tobacco and electronic cigarette smoking among in-school adolescents in Vietnam between 2013 and 2019: prevalence and associated factors. Global health action. 2022;15(1):2114616. doi:10.1080/16549716.2022.2114616