BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: Although South Korea's overall smoking rate has declined, significant disparities persist by gender, age, and household type. The gap between men and women remains considerable, and age groups show differing trends. These disparities highlight the need to analyze various tobacco products, including conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), and dual use. Identifying vulnerable groups with minimal reductions in smoking rates can guide targeted cessation efforts.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: Using KNHANES data (2013–2022), we analyzed adults aged 19 and older by gender (male/female), age group (young adult, middle-aged, older adult, elderly), and household type (single-person/multi-person). Tobacco categories included current use, conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, dual use, HTPs, and liquid e-cigarettes. Basic statistics were calculated using SPSS, and trends were analyzed with the Joinpoint Regression Program to estimate the average annual percent change (AAPC).
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Among men, current tobacco use and conventional smoking significantly declined. In women, no significant change occurred; e-cigarette use increased with an AAPC of 21.83%. Single-person women had a higher e-cigarette use rate (AAPC 34.08%) than multi-person households (AAPC 20.50%). By age, young adults did not reduce conventional smoking, but e-cigarette use increased significantly. Middle-aged adults showed a decline in conventional smoking but a surge in e-cigarette use. The elderly showed no significant changes. Single-person households had higher rates of tobacco use, conventional smoking, e-cigarette use, and dual use, with limited policy effectiveness and a sharp rise in e-cigarette use. In multi-person households, conventional smoking decreased, but e-cigarette and dual use increased, requiring additional regulation.
CONCLUSIONS: Smoking trends vary by gender, age, and household type. E-cigarette use is increasing among women, young adults, and single-person households, highlighting the need for policies beyond conventional smoking. Tailored cessation programs for vulnerable groups are essential. Further research on the health impacts of e-cigarette and dual use is needed to refine interventions.