Prevalence and correlates of current use of heated tobacco products among a nationally representative sample of Korean adults: Results from a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Heated tobacco product (HTP) use has increased rapidly in Korea since its introduction in 2017. We investigated the prevalence and correlates of the current use of HTPs among a nationally representative sample of Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 6182 participants aged ≥19 years took part in the 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted one year after the introduction of HTPs in Korea. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regressions were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of current HTP use (defined as past 30-day use) among Korean adults was 4.4% (7.8% for males and 0.9% for females) in 2018. Among current HTP users, approximately 90% were dual users with combustible cigarettes (CCs) or electronic cigarettes (ECs), or triple users with CCs and ECs. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, males, younger participants, and current CC and/or EC users showed greater odds of being current users of HTPs compared with females, older participants, and non-users of CCs and ECs. Moreover, current EC-only users were more likely to use HTPs than current CC-only users. Compared with current CC-only use, using HTPs with CCs concurrently was not associated with attempts to quit smoking during the past year or with intentions to quit CC smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The popularity of HTP use and the pattern of its poly use with CCs and ECs is a new challenge for Korean tobacco control policy.