Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study on the use of e-cigarettes among adults in China. The study uses data from the China Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance (CCDNS) surveys initiated in 2015 and 2018. The study aims to estimate the trend in e-cigarette use in China before policy implementation and explore associated factors.
Key points:
* The study included 189 306 Chinese adults from the 2015 survey and 184 475 Chinese adults from the 2018 survey.
* The weighted prevalence of past 30-day e-cigarette use among Chinese adults increased from 1.3% (95% CI 1.1--1.5%) in 2015-16 to 1.6% (95% CI 1.4--1.8%) in 2018-19.
* E-cigarette users were predominantly men (97.4% [95% CI 96.7--98.1] in 2015-16 and 97.0% [95% CI 95.4--98.6] in 2018-19) and current conventional smokers (93.0% [90.7--95.2] in 2015-16 and 96.2% [95.1--97.3] in 2018-19).
* The odds of e-cigarette use were significantly associated with obesity, awareness of smoking hazards, and smoking status.
* among current smokers, the odds of e-cigarette use were increased with daily cigarette consumption, smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day, and an attempt to quit smoking.
* In never smokers, the odds of e-cigarette use were increased in those aware of the hazards of smoking and those with obesity.
* The study identified increased e-cigarette use among subpopulations and use patterns that warrant further attention from public health policy makers in China.
Main message:
The study found that e-cigarette use among adults in China has increased substantially between 2015 and 2019. The study identified increased use in men, young adults, smokers, urban residents, those with low educational status, and individuals with obesity. The study highlights the importance of urgent efforts by public health communities and policy makers to develop tailored, subpopulation-specific policy and public education strategies. These findings provide baseline evidence on the implications of 2018 upgrades to tobacco-free regulations in China.
Citation
Zhao Z, Zhang M, Wu J, et al. E-cigarette use among adults in China: findings from repeated cross-sectional surveys in 2015-16 and 2018-19. The Lancet Public health. 2020;5(12):e639-e649. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30145-6
