Teenage Smoking Rate Decreased, but E-cigarette Use Increased

Aug.21.2023
Teenage Smoking Rate Decreased, but E-cigarette Use Increased
Teenage smoking rates decline during COVID-19, but e-cigarette use increases, alcohol consumption remains stable, and mental health deteriorates.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), the overall smoking rate among teenagers has decreased in the past two years since the outbreak of COVID-19. The survey, titled the "17th Youth Health Behavior Survey," collected data from approximately 60,000 students from middle school first grade to high school third grade between August and November last year.

 

The statistics revealed that the smoking and drinking habits of teenagers remained stable in 2020, after experiencing a significant drop compared to 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic. The percentage of teenagers who reported smoking cigarettes for more than one day in the past month was 4.5%, a similar level to the previous year (4.4%), and lower than the pre-pandemic rate of 6.7% in 2019.

 

The KCDC attributed this trend to the increase in remote learning and the decrease in peer gatherings during the pandemic period. However, the use of e-cigarettes increased, with the usage rates of liquid-type e-cigarettes rising from 1.9% to 2.9% in a year, and cartridge-type e-cigarettes increasing from 1.1% to 1.4%.

 

In terms of alcohol consumption, the percentage of teenagers who reported drinking at least one glass in the past 30 days remained the same at 10.7%. The "current drinking rate" also showed no significant increase since it dropped from 15.0% in 2019 to 10.7% in 2020.

 

While the average alcohol consumption rate in the past month decreased slightly from 5.2% in 2020 to 4.9% in 2021, indicating a decline in risky drinking behaviors, the accessibility to purchase tobacco and alcohol increased. The percentage of teenagers who reported that they could easily buy cigarettes or alcohol from convenience stores or shops increased significantly compared to the previous year, with the accessibility rate for cigarette purchases rising from 67.0% to 74.8% and for alcohol purchases from 63.5% to 71.3%.

 

While the percentage of teenagers engaging in regular physical activities increased slightly to 14.6% who participated in at least 60 minutes of physical activity for five or more days a week, the dietary habits did not improve. The percentage of teenagers skipping breakfast for five or more days a week continued to rise, reaching 38.0% in 2021, compared to 27.9% in 2015. Additionally, the percentage of teenagers consuming fruits decreased for the fifth consecutive year, recording 18.1% in 2021.

 

Mental health indicators also worsened in 2021 compared to the previous year. The prevalence of depression increased from 25.2% in 2020 to 26.8%, and the perceived stress rate rose from 34.2% to 38.8%. Females showed higher rates of depression (31.4%) and stress (45.6%) compared to males (22.4% and 32.3% respectively).

 

In conclusion, while the smoking rate among teenagers has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of e-cigarettes has increased. Additionally, there has been no significant change in alcohol consumption, but the accessibility to purchase tobacco and alcohol has increased. Furthermore, despite a slight increase in regular physical activity, detrimental dietary habits and worsening mental health indicators are concerning issues among teenagers.

This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Nigerian Group Calls for 100% Increase in Tobacco Tax to Cut Health Costs
Nigerian Group Calls for 100% Increase in Tobacco Tax to Cut Health Costs
CAPPA urges Nigerian government to increase tobacco tax to 100% to save lives and cut healthcare costs.
Aug.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco Backs E-Cigarette Tax in Ireland, Urges Stronger Enforcement to Combat €220 Million Black Market
British American Tobacco Backs E-Cigarette Tax in Ireland, Urges Stronger Enforcement to Combat €220 Million Black Market
British American Tobacco has expressed support for the Irish government's plan to impose a new e-cigarette tax, which is expected to generate €17 million. Originally set to take effect in mid-2025, the tax is now anticipated to be implemented in early 2026. However, the company has warned that without strong enforcement, the illegal market, valued at approximately €220 million, will continue to expand.
Aug.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Taking Flight: How Kardinal Builds a Global Vape Brand from Southeast Asia
Taking Flight: How Kardinal Builds a Global Vape Brand from Southeast Asia
Founded in Malaysia, Kardinal quickly rose to global prominence with its user-focused design and high-quality products. Flagship devices like Quik 6000 and Quikpro have won international acclaim. The brand is now expanding into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, steadily building its global footprint.
Jun.27
Malaysian Vaping Association: Total E-Cigarette Ban Ineffective, Calls for Stronger Regulation and Enforcement
Malaysian Vaping Association: Total E-Cigarette Ban Ineffective, Calls for Stronger Regulation and Enforcement
The Malaysian vaping industry urges regulation over a total ban, arguing that strict enforcement under current laws is more effective in curbing misuse and protecting public health. They warn a ban could push consumers to the black market and harm legal businesses.
Jul.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines Seizes $70,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes Involving Black Elite Products
Philippines Seizes $70,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes Involving Black Elite Products
The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized unregistered e-cigarette products worth PHP 3.9 million (around $70,000) in Cavite and arrested two suspects. The products were found to be in violation of multiple provisions of the country’s Vape Regulation Law (RA 11900).
Jul.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK E-Cigarette Approved List Update: 320 New SKUs Approved, Including ELFBAR, SKE, MASKKING, and More (July 28 - August 1)
UK E-Cigarette Approved List Update: 320 New SKUs Approved, Including ELFBAR, SKE, MASKKING, and More (July 28 - August 1)
Between July 28 and August 1, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) e-cigarette product notification database listed 320 new SKUs, including e-cigarettes, multi-flavor pods, and accessories from brands like ELFBAR, IVG, SKE, MASKKING, and INNOKIN.
Aug.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai