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Wang L, Siau CS, Baharom N, Hairol MI, Huang L, Wee LH. Media Search Frequency, Source Credibility About e-Cigarette Health Information, and Motivation to Quit EC Among University Students in Chengdu, China. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:895-907. [PMID: 38476623 PMCID: PMC10929557 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s430997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose E-cigarettes (ECs) are gaining popularity among young people. This study aimed to assess university student vapers' search frequency and source credibility of commonly used media in China, and their association with daily EC users' motivation to quit EC use. Participants and Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving an online quantitative survey in six universities in Chengdu, China. Participants answered questions on their EC use patterns, motivation to quit EC, use frequency and source credibility of media use. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between media search frequency and source credibility concerning EC health information with the motivation to quit EC. Results There were a total of 325 participants (Mean age = 20.43, SD = 1.333). Video platforms and social media were ranked frequently used by the participants and were deemed to be more trustworthy. Perceived trustworthiness of online media was the most influential predictor of motivation to quit EC. Those who reported a higher frequency of accessing video platforms and medical health applications recorded higher motivation to quit EC use. Source credibility of news portals were associated higher motivation to quit EC. The association between higher nicotine dependence and lower motivation to quit EC was attenuated when media source credibility and trustworthiness of online media were added into the fully adjusted regression models. Conclusion There is an association between media use frequency and source credibility to search for EC health information and motivation to quit vaping. More studies could be conducted to examine the effects of media use content on perceptions towards vaping and their motivation to quit vaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Ya’an Polytechnic College, Ya’an, Sichuan, 625000, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nizam Baharom
- Primer Healthcare Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, 71800, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Izzuddin Hairol
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Lixin Huang
- Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
- Non-Communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Malaysia
- Digital Health and Innovations Impact Lab, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Malaysia
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Wang J, Xie CC, Jia XX, Xu K, Gong ZY, Sun YQ, Gao JR, Ding Y, Huang ZY, Chen D. E-cigarette awareness and use, among adult residents in Shanghai, China. Tob Induc Dis 2023; 21:104. [PMID: 37581174 PMCID: PMC10401329 DOI: 10.18332/tid/169559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The widespread popularity of e-cigarettes is considered an important public health concern. However, only some studies have investigated the prevalence of e-cigarette use in Shanghai, China. Research on the perceived harmfulness of e-cigarettes and public support for e-cigarette regulations in China is limited. This study aimed to estimate e-cigarette awareness, prevalence, and associated factors among adults in Shanghai, China. METHODS This study used data from a representative survey conducted in Shanghai, China, in 2019. The survey was conducted at 64 surveillance points in Shanghai, China, using a multistage, stratified, cluster-randomized sampling design, recruiting community-based Chinese adults aged ≥15 years. Based on the principles outlined in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) China Project, data were collected by conducting face-to-face interviews in households. Of the 3200 selected households, 3060 people completed the individual survey. The overall response rate was 97.4%. RESULTS In all, 72.3% of the respondents had heard of e-cigarettes. The respondents who had used e-cigarettes at some point in their life, used them in the last 12 months, and used them currently were 5.8%, 2.6%, and 1.3%, respectively. Among adult residents who had heard of e-cigarettes, 38.2% thought they were less harmful than traditional cigarettes. The respondents who perceived e-cigarettes as more harmful than traditional cigarettes were less likely to have ever used e-cigarettes (AOR=0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.5, p=0.0015) and more likely to support incorporating e-cigarettes into the regulation of smoking control (AOR=3.9; 95% CI: 1.8-8.6, p=0.0008). CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that the awareness about e-cigarettes was high, and the prevalence of e-cigarette use was similar to the findings from previous studies in China. The harmful perception of e-cigarettes warrants further attention from public health practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Association of Tobacco Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Chen Xie
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Association of Tobacco Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Xian Jia
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Association of Tobacco Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Xu
- Shanghai Development Promotion Centre of Undertakings for the Aged, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Yang Gong
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Association of Tobacco Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Qiao Sun
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Association of Tobacco Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Rong Gao
- Shanghai Development Promotion Centre of Undertakings for the Aged, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, Shanghai, China
| | | | - De Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Health Promotion, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Association of Tobacco Control, Shanghai, China
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Pettigrew S, Santos JA, Li Y, Miller M, Anderson C, Raj TS, Jones A. E-cigarette-related beliefs, behaviors, and policy support among young people in China. Tob Induc Dis 2023; 21:09. [PMID: 36741540 PMCID: PMC9869085 DOI: 10.18332/tid/156836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION China has recently introduced a range of e-cigarette control policies with a focus on addressing an increase in youth vaping. This study aimed to investigate a wide range of e-cigarette-related attitudes and behaviors in a national sample of Chinese adolescents and young adults to obtain insights into their exposure to, experiences with, and attitudes to e-cigarettes on the cusp of new regulations coming into force. METHODS An online survey was administered to a sample of 1062 adolescents and young adults (aged 15-30 years) in China in November-December 2021. Quotas were applied to achieve an approximately equal gender split, representation across age sub-groups (15-17, 18-20, 21-23, 24-26, and 27-30 years), and approximately two-thirds representing low- and middle-income groups. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were also calculated. RESULTS Just under half (47%) reported no knowledge of e-cigarettes and/or vaping. One in five reported ever using e-cigarettes ('even once or twice'), 8% reported being current users, and 3% reported being daily users. Around twothirds of those who had heard of e-cigarettes/vaping had friends who vaped and had seen e-cigarette advertising. Fruit flavors were most popular, and the most frequently nominated reasons for vaping were to cut down on cigarette smoking and because a friend used them. The factors positively associated with ever use of e-cigarettes were current tobacco smoking (AOR=68.26) or previous tobacco smoking (AOR=39.15) and having friends who vape (AOR=1.76). Perceptions of addictiveness were negatively associated with ever use (AOR=0.47). Strong support was evident for most assessed e-cigarette control policies. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that young people in China have been able to access and use e-cigarettes, although rates of regular use are low. Generally, high levels of expressed support for a range of e-cigarette control policies among members of this age group suggest the new regulatory environment is consistent with their policy preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pettigrew
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joseph Alvin Santos
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yuan Li
- The George Institute for Global Health, Beijing, China
| | - Mia Miller
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Craig Anderson
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thout S. Raj
- The George Institute for Global Health, Hyderabad, India
| | - Alexandra Jones
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Liu Q, Liang Y, Wang S, Huang Z, Wang Q, Jia M, Li Z, Ming WK. Health Communication through Chinese Media on E-Cigarette: A Topic Modeling Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137591. [PMID: 35805245 PMCID: PMC9265508 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been a newsworthy topic in China. E-cigarettes are receiving greater consumer attention due to the rise of the Chinese e-cigarettes industry. In the past decade, e-cigarettes have been widely debated across the media, particularly their identity and their health effects. Objective: this study aims to (1) find the key topics in e-cigarette news and (2) provide suggestions for future media strategies to improve health communication. Method: We collected Chinese e-cigarettes news from 1 November 2015 to 31 October 2020, in the Huike (WiseSearch) database, using “e-cigarettes” (Chinese: “电子烟”) as the keyword. We used the Jieba package in python to perform the data cleaning process and the Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling method to generate major themes of the health communication through news content. Main finding: through an analysis of 1584 news articles on e-cigarettes, this paper finds 26 topics covered with 4 themes as regulations and control (n = 475, 30%), minor protection (n = 436, 27.5%), industry activities (n = 404, 25.5%), and health effects (n = 269, 17%). The peak and decline of the number of news articles are affected by time and related regulations. Conclusion: the main themes of Chinese news content on e-cigarettes are regulations and control, and minor protection. Newspapers should shoulder the responsibilities and play an important role in health communication with balanced coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- School of Journalism and Communication, National Media Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center (Jinan University), Jinan University, No. 601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
| | - Yu Liang
- School of Journalism and Communication, National Media Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center (Jinan University), Jinan University, No. 601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
| | - Siyi Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China; (S.W.); (Z.H.)
| | - Zhongguo Huang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China; (S.W.); (Z.H.)
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Journalism and Communication, National Media Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center (Jinan University), Jinan University, No. 601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
| | - Miaoyutian Jia
- School of Journalism and Communication, National Media Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center (Jinan University), Jinan University, No. 601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zihang Li
- School of Journalism and Communication, National Media Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center (Jinan University), Jinan University, No. 601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (Q.W.); (M.J.); (Z.L.)
| | - Wai-Kit Ming
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, To Yuen Building, 31 To Yuen Street, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence:
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Receiving and giving electronic cigarettes as gifts in China: Findings from International Tobacco Control China Survey. Prev Med Rep 2022; 27:101763. [PMID: 35321216 PMCID: PMC8935514 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette gifting is pervasive in China. As the Chinese are increasingly aware of harm from smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes, often promoted as less harmful alternatives to cigarettes, may be viewed as appropriate gifts. This study is the first using population-based survey data to examine receiving and giving e-cigarettes as gifts in China. We analyzed 9,274 adults from Wave 5 of the International Tobacco Control China Survey, which was completed in July 2015. We found that the prevalence of receiving e-cigarettes as gifts was 1.3% among all respondents and 5.3% among urban smokers; the prevalence of giving e-cigarettes as gifts was 0.5% among all respondents and 1.2% among urban smokers. These prevalence estimates were very low among nonsmokers and rural respondents. Further analysis on urban smokers (N = 3,312) found that those aged 40–54 and 55+, those with high education levels, heavy smokers, and those who perceived e-cigarettes as equally/more harmful than cigarettes were more likely to receive e-cigarette gifts; and those who ever used e-cigarettes were significantly more likely to both receive and give e-cigarette gifts. Urban smokers with positive attitude about cigarette gifting were also more likely to give e-cigarette gifts to others, but those aged 55+ were less likely to gift e-cigarettes. Findings of this study indicate that the Chinese may perceive e-cigarettes as appropriate gifts for smokers, especially heavy smokers. Precautions should be taken to prevent e-cigarettes from becoming a gift choice for nonsmokers. Health campaigns designed to combat the social acceptance of cigarette gifting may also help reduce e-cigarette gifting.
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Lyu JC, Huang P, Ling PM. Electronic cigarette related topics with conflicting arguments
in Chinese newspapers. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:25. [PMID: 35342381 PMCID: PMC8895478 DOI: 10.18332/tid/145929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While debates on e-cigarettes are mainly conducted in scientific fora, media are the most accessible information source for the public, shaping their perceptions of health issues. This study is the first to examine e-cigarette related topics with conflicting arguments presented in Chinese newspapers. METHODS The Chinese terms for ‘e-cigarettes’ were searched in a widely used Chinese news database Wisenews. Content analysis of the full text of 639 news articles was conducted to identify topics with conflicting arguments and examine whether the dominant argument in each topic changed across four time periods from 2004 to 2019. RESULTS Twelve e-cigarette related topics with conflicting arguments were identified. The most frequently reported topic was health impact of e-cigarettes, followed by impact of secondhand aerosol exposure, smoking cessation, relative health impact of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes, and e-cigarette policies outside China. At the same time, the price was the least frequently reported topic. Overall, negative arguments outnumbered positive arguments in the study period. The dominant arguments within many topics changed across time periods; however, within the topics of relative health impact of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes, taste/flavor, and economic prospects of the industry, positive arguments were more frequently reported in almost all periods. Within the topics of addiction, policies in China, and policies outside China, negative arguments were more frequently reported in virtually all periods. CONCLUSIONS Though overall the dominant argument about e-cigarettes and health was ‘e-cigarettes are harmful’, in the early time periods, e-cigarettes were reported as ‘harmless’ or even ‘healthy’. As China began to regulate e-cigarettes, the reporting on e-cigarettes more frequently included the ‘e-cigarettes are harmful’ argument. The consistent, more frequent reporting of ‘good e-cigarette taste/flavor’ has the potential to attract young people to e-cigarette products. The increased reporting on policies unfavorable to e-cigarettes aligned with the growing number of regulations restricting e-cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Chen Lyu
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Peiyi Huang
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Pamela M. Ling
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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