Key Points
Question
Is the type of cigarette initially smoked associated with suicidal behaviors among adolescents in Korea?
Findings
In this cross-sectional study of 255 887 Korean adolescents who participated in the nationwide Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey from 2015 to 2018, those who used electronic cigarettes when they started smoking had a higher risk of suicidal behavior than did those who used conventional cigarettes when they started smoking. Adolescents who changed from using electronic cigarettes to conventional cigarettes were more likely to exhibit suicidal behaviors than were those who changed from using conventional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes.
Meaning
In this study, initial cigarette type was associated with suicidal behaviors among adolescents, which may have implications for public health policies and educational programs regarding electronic cigarette use.
Abstract
Importance
Assessment of whether past electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use or initiating smoking with e-cigarettes is associated with suicidal behaviors among adolescents is needed to inform future research and public health interventions.
Objective
To evaluate the association between starting smoking with e-cigarettes or conventional cigarettes and suicidal behaviors among Korean adolescents.
Design, Setting, and Participants
This cross-sectional study analyzed data on adolescents in grades 7 through 12 who participated in the nationwide Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey between 2015 and 2018.
Exposures
Type of cigarette initially smoked: electronic or conventional.
Main Outcomes and Measures
Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between initial cigarette type and suicidal behaviors, including suicidal ideation and suicide planning and attempts. All participants completed questionnaires about their history of suicidal behavior and were categorized into groups according to the type of cigarette used at initiation of smoking and any subsequent change (or lack of change) in the type of cigarette used.
Results
A total of 255 887 Korean adolescents (51.2% male; mean (SD) age, 15.0 [1.8] years) were included in the primary analysis. Among 131 094 male adolescents, 3310 boys (2.5%) initially used e-cigarettes and 27 368 boys (20.9%) initially used conventional cigarettes. Among 124 793 female adolescents, 952 girls (0.8%) initially used e-cigarettes and 9296 girls (7.4%) initially used conventional cigarettes. Of those who initially used e-cigarettes, 178 of 3310 boys (5.4%) and 134 of 952 girls (14.1%) attempted suicide. Of those who initially used conventional cigarettes, 946 of 27 368 boys (3.5%) and 911 of 9296 girls (9.8%) attempted suicide. Adolescents who initially used e-cigarettes had a higher risk of suicidal behaviors, including suicide planning (boys: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.63 [95% CI, 1.40-1.89]; P < .001; girls: AOR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.23-1.95]; P < .001) and suicide attempts (boys: AOR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.28-1.87]; P < .001; girls, AOR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.29-2.10]; P < .001) compared with those who initially used conventional cigarettes. Changing from e-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes was associated with a higher risk of suicide attempts among both boys (AOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.39-2.57; P < .001) and girls (AOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.53-3.64; P < .001) compared with changing from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes.
Conclusions and Relevance
In this study, the initial use of e-cigarettes vs conventional cigarettes was associated with suicidal behaviors among adolescents. In future research on the association of e-cigarette use with adolescent mental health and interventions for suicide prevention, the type of cigarette initially used and changing the cigarette type should be considered.
This cross-sectional study uses data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey to examine the association between the type of cigarette initially smoked and suicidal behaviors among Korean adolescents from 2015 to 2018.
Introduction
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are portable devices that deliver nicotine through the battery-powered vaporization of a solution of nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavor chemicals. They are sometimes introduced as harmless or safer alternatives to conventional cigarettes. Although e-cigarettes deliver nicotine without the thousands of toxic substances contained in conventional cigarettes,1,2 the nicotine content of e-cigarettes can lead to addiction. It is unclear whether e-cigarettes are safer than conventional cigarettes because the toxic effects of e-cigarette components are not fully understood.
The use of e-cigarettes among adolescents has increased exponentially worldwide. In the US, current e-cigarette use among adolescents in grades 6 to 8 increased from 0.6% in 2011 to 4.9% in 2018; among adolescents in grades 9 to 12, e-cigarette use increased from 1.5% in 2011 to 20.8% in 2018.3 Among Korean adolescents, current conventional cigarette use increased from 6.4% (male: 9.5%; female: 3.1%) in 2017 to 6.7% (male: 9.3%; female: 3.8%) in 2019, and current e-cigarette use increased from 2.2% (male: 3.3%; female: 0.9%) in 2017 to 3.2% (male: 4.7%; female: 1.5%) in 2019.4 Statistics indicate a high smoking rate among boys and an increasing smoking rate among girls; thus, smoking among adolescents is a public health concern in South Korea.
South Korea has the highest suicide rate among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development,5 and suicide is the leading cause of death among Korean adolescents. According to the Korea National Statistical Office, the suicide rate among youths increased from 7.7 per 100 000 people in 2017 to 9.1 per 100 000 people in 2018.6,7 Recognizing the factors associated with suicide is important; however, the differences in sociodemographic factors associated with suicidal behaviors, such as increased nonfatal suicidal behaviors among women and higher suicide rates among men,8 need to be considered. Of note, as part of the guidelines for clinical suicide assessment, physicians should specifically inquire about suicidal ideation and suicide planning and attempts.9,10
The association between smoking conventional cigarettes and mental health is well known.11,12,13,14,15,16,17 Previous studies,11,12,13,14,15 including longitudinal studies, have indicated that smoking during adolescence is associated with depression and suicidal behaviors, including suicidal ideation and suicide planning and attempts. However, most studies evaluating this association have focused on conventional cigarettes. Despite the increasing use of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette use involving inhaled nicotine, few studies have examined the association between using e-cigarettes (ie, vaping) and suicidal behaviors.18,19
Some studies16,20 have evaluated the association between e-cigarette use and mental health. A recent study17 of Korean adolescents found that youths who used both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes and those who used e-cigarettes only were more likely to exhibit suicidal ideation and suicide planning and attempts. Substances contained in e-cigarettes, such as e-liquids, are sometimes used in suicide attempts.21,22 However, most of these studies16,19 only examined the association between current or lifetime use of e-cigarettes and suicidal behaviors.
Adolescents have the highest rates of e-cigarette use, and unlike adults, they do not typically begin using e-cigarettes to quit smoking but are instead motivated by curiosity or appealing e-cigarette flavors.20,23 Furthermore, the distinct characteristics of adolescents who initially use e-cigarettes and their increased risk of subsequent use of conventional cigarettes24,25,26 warrants investigation into whether the initial use of e-cigarettes and the continuation of smoking using conventional cigarettes are associated with mental health. To our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the association between the initial use of e-cigarettes and suicidal behaviors.
Therefore, we assessed the association between the type of cigarette initially used and suicidal behaviors among Korean adolescents. Furthermore, we examined whether switching the cigarette type after smoking initiation and the timing of the change were associated with suicidal behaviors.
Methods
Study Population and Data
Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (KYRBWS), which was conducted annually from 2015 to 2018 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Ethics approval for the KYRBWS was waived by the KCDC’s institutional review board in accordance with the Bioethics and Safety Act of 2015.27 All data used in this study are publicly available on the KYRBWS website.4 The KYRBWS complied with the Declaration of Helsinki,28 and all individuals who participated in the KYRBWS provided informed consent. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) reporting guideline for cross-sectional studies.29
The KYRBWS was an anonymous, self-administered, structured questionnaire that had a complex research design, which included multistage sampling, stratification, and clustering. The KYRBWS used an online survey system that did not allow respondents to proceed to the next section of the questionnaire unless all questions were answered in the current section. Responses that had logical errors and responses that were outliers (eg, the respondent incorrectly stated that he or she was younger than 12 years, thus could not have been included in the KYRBWS because of its grade-level criteria) were processed as missing values. The questionnaire contained approximately 120 items in 15 categories, including demographic characteristics and health-associated behaviors. Students in grades 7 to 12 were the target population. The question, “When did you start vaping e-cigarettes?” was included in the KYRBWS from 2015 to 2018. Therefore, data from only these years (comprising 255 887 adolescent participants) were analyzed; there were no missing values.
Variables
The main dependent variables were suicidal behaviors, comprising suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts. Suicidal ideation was assessed on the KYRBWS through the question, “Have you seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months?” Suicide planning was assessed by the question, “Did you make any specific plans for suicide in the past 12 months?” Suicide attempts were assessed by the question, “Have you attempted suicide in the past 12 months?” Suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts were categorized based on whether respondents answered these questions with yes or No. Each of the 3 questions about suicidal behaviors was composed of 3 separate variables (suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts).
The independent variable was the initial type of cigarette used, which was determined by yes or no answers to the questions, “Have you ever smoked even 1 puff in your lifetime? and “Have you ever used e-cigarettes?” Participants who answered no to both questions were classified into the group that had never smoked, and participants who answered yes to only 1 of the questions were classified into the group that started smoking using that type of cigarette (with the assumption that answering yes to question 1 and no to question 2 indicated use of conventional cigarettes). Those who answered yes to both questions were categorized according to the initial type of cigarette used and the school year (ie, grade) during which they started smoking either e-cigarettes or conventional cigarettes. The school year of smoking initiation was used to classify participants who initially used e-cigarettes into the group that started smoking with e-cigarettes, and participants who initially used conventional cigarettes or both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes during the same school year were classified into the group that started smoking with conventional cigarettes. This categorization allowed us to differentiate the association between initial use of e-cigarettes vs initial use of conventional cigarettes and suicidal behaviors.
Based on these categories, the independent variable was divided into 3 groups: never smoked, started with e-cigarettes, and started with conventional cigarettes. For the secondary analyses, we divided the group of participants who had smoked at least 1 e-cigarette or 1 conventional cigarette into subgroups based on whether they had changed the cigarette type used. The KYRBWS did not assess whether participants smoked both cigarette types after changing their initial cigarette type; thus, all participants who reported smoking a cigarette type different than the type they initially smoked were included in the group that switched cigarette type. For the subgroup analyses, participants who changed cigarette type were divided according to their current smoking status and whether they changed cigarette type within 2 years of starting to smoke that cigarette type.
The covariates were school grade (7-12), self-reported economic status (low, medium-low, medium, medium-high, or high), living situation (living with immediate family, with extended family, or without immediate or extended family), self-reported academic achievement (low, medium-low, medium, medium-high, or high), alcohol use (ever or never), physical activity level (low or high, with high indicating >20 minutes of intense physical activity ≥3 days per week), self-reported health status (low, medium, or high), and perceived stress level (low, medium, or high).19,30
Statistical Analysis
All analyses were conducted separately by sex to account for sex-specific differences in smoking rates and suicidal behaviors.4,8 Differences in the frequency and proportion of categorical variables were evaluated using χ2 tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between initial cigarette type and suicidal behaviors, with adjustment for covariates in the primary analyses. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Secondary analyses were performed to investigate the association between changing cigarette type and suicidal behaviors, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between the timing of the change in cigarette type and suicidal behaviors. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software, version 9.4 (SAS Institute), and a weighted logistic regression procedure was used to account for the complex and stratified sampling design. Bonferroni correction was applied to handle type 1 errors owing to multiple comparisons, with a 2-sided significance threshold of P < .02 (number of contrasts, 0.05/3 = 0.016) for the primary analysis and P < .002 for the secondary and subgroup analyses (number of contrasts, 0.5/21 = 0.0024).
Results
The primary analysis included 255 887 adolescents (131 094 [51.2%] male; mean [SD] age, 15.0 [1.8] years). Among male participants, 3310 (2.5%) initially used e-cigarettes, 27 368 (20.9%) initially used conventional cigarettes, and 100 416 (76.6%) never smoked. Among female participants, 952 (0.8%) initially used e-cigarettes, 9296 (7.4%) initially used conventional cigarettes, and 114 545 (91.8%) never smoked. Among male participants, rates of suicidal ideation (500 [15.1%]), suicide planning (271 [8.2%]), and suicide attempts (178 [5.4%]) were higher among those who initially used e-cigarettes compared with those who initially used conventional cigarettes (3709 [13.6%], 1477 [5.4%], and 946 [3.5%], respectively) and those who never smoked (8062 [8.0%], 2867 [2.9%], and 1489 [1.5%], respectively). Among female adolescents who initially used e-cigarettes, rates of suicidal behaviors were also higher (suicidal ideation: 279 [29.3%]; suicide planning: 146 [15.3%]; suicide attempts: 134 [14.1%]) than rates among those who initially used conventional cigarettes (2635 [28.3%], 1040 [11.2%], and 911 [9.8%], respectively) and those who never smoked (16 082 [14.0%], 4354 [4.0%], and 3041 [2.7], respectively) (Table 1).
Table 1. Characteristics of the 255 887 Korean Adolescents Included in the Analysis.
| Characteristic | Suicidal ideation | Suicide planning | Suicide attempt | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male participants | Female participants | Male participants | Female participants | Male participants | Female participants | |||||||||||||
| Total, No. | Exhibited suicidal ideation, No. (%) | P value | Total, No. | Exhibited suicidal ideation, No. (%) | P value | Total, No. | Exhibited suicide planning, No. (%) | P value | Total, No. | Exhibited suicide planning, No. (%) | P value | Total, No. | Exhibited suicide attempt, No. (%) | P value | Total, No. | Exhibited suicide attempt, No. (%) | P value | |
| Total participants, No. | 131 094 | 12 271 (9.4) | NA | 124 793 | 18 807 (15.1) | NA | 131 094 | 4615 (3.5) | NA | 124 793 | 5720 (4.6) | NA | 131 094 | 2613 (2.0) | NA | 124 793 | 4086 (3.3) | NA |
| Type of cigarette used at initiation of smoking | ||||||||||||||||||
| Electronic | 3310 | 500 (15.1) | <.001 | 952 | 279 (29.3) | <.001 | 3310 | 271 (8.2) | <.001 | 952 | 146 (15.3) | <.001 | 3310 | 178 (5.4) | <.001 | 952 | 134 (14.1) | <.001 |
| Conventional | 27 368 | 3709 (13.6) | 9296 | 2635 (28.3) | 27 368 | 1477 (5.4) | 9296 | 1040 (11.2) | 27 368 | 946 (3.5) | 9296 | 911 (9.8) | ||||||
| Never smoked | 100 416 | 8062 (8.0) | 114 545 | 16 082 (14.0) | 100 416 | 2867 (2.9) | 114 545 | 4534 (4.0) | 100 416 | 1489 (1.5) | 114 545 | 3041 (2.7) | ||||||
| School grade | ||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | 21 230 | 1706 (8.0) | <.001 | 20 075 | 2907 (14.5) | <.001 | 21 230 | 698 (3.3) | <.001 | 20 075 | 1001 (5.0) | <.001 | 21 230 | 397 (1.9) | <.001 | 20 075 | 806 (4.0) | <.001 |
| 8 | 21 913 | 2095 (9.6) | 20 515 | 3487 (17.0) | 21 913 | 802 (3.7) | 20 515 | 1152 (5.6) | 21 913 | 467 (2.1) | 20 515 | 847 (4.1) | ||||||
| 9 | 22 437 | 2181 (9.7) | 21 462 | 3470 (16.2) | 22 437 | 886 (3.9) | 21 462 | 1111 (5.2) | 22 437 | 489 (2.2) | 21 462 | 774 (3.6) | ||||||
| 10 | 21 520 | 1910 (8.9) | 20 382 | 2862 (14.0) | 21 520 | 665 (3.1) | 20 382 | 765 (3.8) | 21 520 | 367 (1.7) | 20 382 | 574 (2.8) | ||||||
| 11 | 22 241 | 2208 (9.9) | 20 781 | 3199 (15.4) | 22 241 | 766 (3.4) | 20 781 | 835 (4.0) | 22 241 | 421 (1.9) | 20 781 | 563 (2.7) | ||||||
| 12 | 21 753 | 2171 (10.0) | 21 578 | 3071 (14.2) | 21 753 | 798 (3.7) | 21 578 | 856 (4.0) | 21 753 | 472 (2.2) | 21 578 | 522 (2.4) | ||||||
| Economic status | ||||||||||||||||||
| Low | 3928 | 872 (22.2) | <.001 | 3233 | 1018 (31.5) | <.001 | 3928 | 413 (10.5) | <.001 | 3233 | 433 (13.4) | <.001 | 3928 | 279 (7.1) | <.001 | 3233 | 335 (10.4) | <.001 |
| Medium-low | 15 491 | 2037 (13.1) | 16 044 | 3601 (22.4) | 15 491 | 687 (4.4) | 16 044 | 1129 (7.0) | 15 491 | 380 (2.5) | 16 044 | 814 (5.1) | ||||||
| Medium | 57 982 | 4711 (8.1) | 61 426 | 8384 (13.6) | 57 982 | 1581 (2.7) | 61 426 | 2301 (3.7) | 57 982 | 850 (1.5) | 61 426 | 1682 (2.7) | ||||||
| Medium-high | 37 800 | 3102 (8.2) | 34 283 | 4652 (13.6) | 37 800 | 1143 (3.0) | 34 283 | 1347 (3.9) | 37 800 | 607 (1.6) | 34 283 | 913 (2.7) | ||||||
| High | 15 893 | 1549 (9.7) | 9807 | 1341 (13.7) | 15 893 | 791 (5.0) | 9807 | 510 (5.2) | 15 893 | 497 (3.1) | 9807 | 342 (3.5) | ||||||
| Living situation | ||||||||||||||||||
| With extended family | 1131 | 252 (22.3) | <.001 | 848 | 255 (30.1) | <.001 | 1131 | 156 (13.8) | <.001 | 848 | 114 (13.4) | <.001 | 1131 | 92 (8.1) | <.001 | 848 | 87 (10.3) | <.001 |
| With immediate family | 124 001 | 11 243 (9.1) | 118 871 | 17 894 (15.1) | 124 001 | 4067 (3.3) | 118 871 | 5289 (4.4) | 124 001 | 2253 (1.8) | 118 871 | 3762 (3.2) | ||||||
| Without extended or immediate family | 5962 | 776 (13.0) | 5074 | 847 (16.7) | 5962 | 392 (6.6) | 5074 | 317 (6.2) | 5962 | 268 (4.5) | 5074 | 237 (4.7) | ||||||
| Academic achievement | ||||||||||||||||||
| Low | 14 292 | 1952 (13.7) | <.001 | 11 671 | 2713 (23.2) | <.001 | 14 292 | 764 (5.3) | <.001 | 11 671 | 970 (8.3) | <.001 | 14 292 | 521 (3.6) | <.001 | 11 671 | 820 (7.0) | <.001 |
| Medium-low | 28 883 | 2963 (10.3) | 29 254 | 5095 (17.4) | 28 883 | 1054 (3.6) | 29 254 | 1499 (5.1) | 28 883 | 556 (1.9) | 29 254 | 1122 (3.8) | ||||||
| Medium | 36 011 | 3033 (8.4) | 36 903 | 4932 (13.4) | 36 011 | 1151 (3.2) | 36 903 | 1397 (3.8) | 36 011 | 593 (1.6) | 36 903 | 961 (2.6) | ||||||
| Medium-high | 32 233 | 2596 (8.1) | 32 739 | 4345 (13.3) | 32 233 | 881 (2.7) | 32 739 | 1232 (3.8) | 32 233 | 442 (1.4) | 32 739 | 793 (2.4) | ||||||
| High | 19 675 | 1727 (8.8) | 14 226 | 1911 (13.4) | 19 675 | 765 (3.9) | 14 226 | 622 (4.4) | 19 675 | 501 (2.5) | 14 226 | 390 (2.7) | ||||||
| Alcohol use | ||||||||||||||||||
| Ever | 57 494 | 6843 (11.9) | <.001 | 43 625 | 8998 (20.6) | <.001 | 57 494 | 2606 (4.5) | <.001 | 43 625 | 2897 (6.6) | <.001 | 57 494 | 1549 (2.7) | <.001 | 43 625 | 2227 (5.1) | <.001 |
| Never | 73 600 | 5428 (7.4) | 81 168 | 9998 (12.3) | 73 600 | 2009 (2.7) | 81 168 | 2823 (3.5) | 73 600 | 1064 (1.4) | 81 168 | 1859 (2.3) | ||||||
| Physical activity level | ||||||||||||||||||
| Low | 53 224 | 5081 (9.5) | .06 | 84 362 | 12 224 (14.5) | <.001 | 53 224 | 1729 (3.2) | <.001 | 84 362 | 3443 (4.1) | <.001 | 53 224 | 963 (1.8) | <.001 | 84 362 | 2363 (2.8) | <.001 |
| High | 77 870 | 7190 (9.2) | 40 431 | 6772 (16.7) | 77 870 | 2886 (3.7) | 40 431 | 2277 (5.6) | 77 870 | 1650 (2.1) | 40 431 | 1723 (4.3) | ||||||
| Self-reported health status | ||||||||||||||||||
| High | 101 009 | 7378 (7.3) | <.001 | 83 994 | 9322 (11.1) | <.001 | 101 009 | 2878 (2.8) | <.001 | 83 994 | 2602 (3.1) | <.001 | 101 009 | 1522 (1.5) | <.001 | 83 994 | 1863 (2.2) | <.001 |
| Medium | 23 570 | 3239 (13.7) | 31 493 | 6361 (20.2) | 23 570 | 1089 (4.6) | 31 493 | 1888 (6.0) | 23 570 | 659 (2.8) | 31 493 | 1395 (4.4) | ||||||
| Low | 6515 | 1654 (25.4) | 9306 | 3313 (35.6) | 6515 | 648 (9.9) | 9306 | 1230 (13.2) | 6515 | 432 (6.6) | 9306 | 828 (8.9) | ||||||
| Perceived stress level | ||||||||||||||||||
| Low | 33 654 | 787 (2.3) | <.001 | 17 579 | 500 (2.8) | <.001 | 33 654 | 570 (1.7) | <.001 | 17 579 | 246 (1.4) | <.001 | 33 654 | 341 (1.0) | <.001 | 17 579 | 160 (0.9) | <.001 |
| Medium | 57 708 | 2848 (4.9) | 51 071 | 3337 (6.5) | 57 708 | 1148 (2.0) | 51 071 | 903 (1.8) | 57 708 | 570 (1.0) | 51 071 | 645 (1.3) | ||||||
| High | 39 732 | 8636 (21.7) | 56 143 | 15 159 (27.0) | 39 732 | 2897 (7.3) | 56 143 | 4571 (8.1) | 39 732 | 1702 (4.3) | 56 143 | 3281 (5.8) | ||||||
Abbreviation: NA, not applicable.
Participants who started smoking using either type of cigarette were more likely to attempt suicide than were those who never smoked. Among boys who initiated smoking with e-cigarettes, the AOR was 2.90 (95% CI, 2.40-3.51; P < .001), and among those who initiated smoking with conventional cigarettes, the AOR was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.68-2.09; P < .001). Among girls who initiated smoking with e-cigarettes, the AOR was 4.04 (95% CI, 3.20-5.09; P < .001), and among those who initiated smoking with conventional cigarettes, the AOR was 2.46 (95% CI, 2.23-2.71; P < .001). Other factors associated with suicidal behaviors are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Factors Associated With Suicidal Behaviors.
| Variable | Suicidal ideation | Suicide planning | Suicide attempt | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male participants | Female participants | Male participants | Female participants | Male participants | Female participants | |||||||
| AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | |
| Type of cigarette used at initiation of smoking | ||||||||||||
| Electronic | 1.74 (1.55-1.96) | <.001 | 1.83 (1.53-2.21) | <.001 | 2.54 (2.19-2.95) | <.001 | 2.94 (2.35-3.67) | <.001 | 2.90 (2.40-3.51) | <.001 | 4.04 (3.20-5.09) | <.001 |
| Conventional | 1.38 (1.31-1.46) | <.001 | 1.54 (1.44-1.64) | <.001 | 1.56 (1.43-1.70) | <.001 | 1.90 (1.74-2.08) | <.001 | 1.88 (1.68-2.09) | <.001 | 2.46 (2.23-2.71) | <.001 |
| Never smoked | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| School grade | ||||||||||||
| 7 | 2.04 (1.86-2.23) | <.001 | 1.96 (1.82-2.11) | <.001 | 1.50 (1.32-1.71) | <.001 | 2.62 (2.31-2.96) | <.001 | 1.65 (1.39-1.96) | <.001 | 3.98 (3.44-4.59) | <.001 |
| 8 | 1.98 (1.82-2.17) | <.001 | 2.05 (1.91-2.21) | <.001 | 1.50 (1.32-1.70) | <.001 | 2.49 (2.21-2.80) | <.001 | 1.64 (1.40-1.92) | <.001 | 3.27 (2.84-3.76) | <.001 |
| 9 | 1.83 (1.68-2.00) | <.001 | 1.80 (1.67-1.93) | <.001 | 1.57 (1.39-1.77) | <.001 | 2.08 (1.85-2.34) | <.001 | 1.54 (1.32-1.81) | <.001 | 2.49 (2.18-2.86) | <.001 |
| 10 | 1.14 (1.04-1.24) | .01 | 1.29 (1.21-1.38) | <.001 | 1.03 (0.91-1.16) | .67 | 1.25 (1.11-1.41) | <.001 | 0.97 (0.83-1.14) | .74 | 1.58 (1.37-1.82) | <.001 |
| 11 | 1.08 (1.00-1.17) | .02 | 1.21 (1.13-1.30) | <.001 | 1.02 (0.91-1.15) | .70 | 1.13 (1.01-1.26) | .03 | 0.97 (0.83-1.13) | .67 | 1.20 (1.04-1.38) | .007 |
| 12 | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Economic status | ||||||||||||
| Low | 1.43 (1.28-1.60) | <.001 | 1.59 (1.41-1.79) | <.001 | 1.34 (1.15-1.56) | <.001 | 1.51 (1.26-1.81) | <.001 | 1.22 (1.02-1.47) | .03 | 1.54 (1.27-1.87) | <.001 |
| Medium-low | 0.94 (0.87-1.03) | .19 | 1.21 (1.11-1.32) | <.001 | 0.69 (0.61-0.78) | <.001 | 0.93 (0.81-1.07) | .32 | 0.64 (0.55-0.76) | <.001 | 0.97 (0.84-1.13) | .73 |
| Medium | 0.74 (0.68-0.79) | <.001 | 0.85 (0.79-0.91) | <.001 | 0.54 (0.49-0.60) | <.001 | 0.66 (0.58-0.74) | <.001 | 0.51 (0.44-0.57) | <.001 | 0.71 (0.62-0.81) | <.001 |
| Medium-high | 0.80 (0.74-0.86) | <.001 | 0.93 (0.86-1.00) | .06 | 0.62 (0.56-0.69) | <.001 | 0.73 (0.64-0.82) | <.001 | 0.58 (0.51-0.66) | <.001 | 0.77 (0.67-0.89) | <.001 |
| High | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Living situation | ||||||||||||
| With extended family | 1.73 (1.40-2.14) | <.001 | 1.57 (1.27-1.93) | <.001 | 1.89 (1.48-2.42) | <.001 | 1.44 (1.08-1.92) | .01 | 1.49 (1.10-2.03) | .01 | 1.31 (0.95-1.81) | .11 |
| With immediate family | 0.69 (0.62-0.76) | <.001 | 0.88 (0.79-0.97) | .009 | 0.48 (0.42-0.55) | <.001 | 0.60 (0.52-0.70) | <.001 | 0.41 (0.35-0.48) | <.001 | 0.60 (0.50-0.70) | <.001 |
| Without extended or immediate family | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Academic achievement | ||||||||||||
| Low | 1.09 (0.99-1.19) | .07 | 1.21 (1.12-1.31) | <.001 | 1.05 (0.93-1.19) | .40 | 1.23 (1.08-1.40) | .002 | 1.08 (0.93-1.26) | .30 | 1.68 (1.45-1.93) | <.001 |
| Medium-low | 1.06 (0.98-1.14) | .15 | 1.13 (1.05-1.21) | .001 | 0.95 (0.85-1.06) | .39 | 1.03 (0.92-1.15) | .65 | 0.75 (0.66-0.87) | <.001 | 1.24 (1.09-1.41) | .001 |
| Medium | 1.01 (0.93-1.05) | .85 | 0.97 (0.90-1.04) | .36 | 0.99 (0.88-1.10) | .79 | 0.91 (0.81-1.01) | .08 | 0.80 (0.69-0.92) | .001 | 1.03 (0.90-1.18) | .66 |
| Medium-high | 0.95 (0.88-1.02) | .14 | 1.00 (0.93-1.07) | .93 | 0.80 (0.71-0.89) | <.001 | 0.92 (0.83-1.03) | .15 | 0.64 (0.56-0.73) | <.001 | 1.01 (0.89-1.15) | .89 |
| High | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Alcohol use | ||||||||||||
| Ever | 1.36 (1.30-1.43) | <.001 | 1.53 (1.47-1.60) | <.001 | 1.30 (1.20-1.40) | <.001 | 1.54 (1.43-1.65) | <.001 | 1.38 (1.24-1.52) | <.001 | 1.77 (1.63-1.93) | <.001 |
| Never | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Physical activity level | ||||||||||||
| Low | 0.91 (0.86-0.95) | <.001 | 0.82 (0.79-0.85) | <.001 | 0.79 (0.73-0.85) | <.001 | 0.75 (0.70-0.80) | <.001 | 0.75 (0.68-0.83) | <.001 | 0.71 (0.66-0.76) | <.001 |
| High | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Self-reported health status | ||||||||||||
| High | 0.39 (0.37-0.43) | <.001 | 0.38 (0.36-0.40) | <.001 | 0.39 (0.35-0.43) | <.001 | 0.33 (0.30-0.36) | <.001 | 0.32 (0.28-0.37) | <.001 | 0.36 (0.33-0.40) | <.001 |
| Medium | 0.59 (0.54-0.64) | <.001 | 0.58 (0.55-0.62) | <.001 | 0.53 (0.47-0.60) | <.001 | 0.51 (0.47-0.56) | <.001 | 0.51 (0.44-0.59) | <.001 | 0.59 (0.53-0.65) | <.001 |
| Low | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Perceived stress level | ||||||||||||
| Low | 0.11 (0.10-0.12) | <.001 | 0.10 (0.09-0.11) | <.001 | 0.27 (0.25-0.30) | <.001 | 0.21 (0.18-0.25) | <.001 | 0.30 (0.26-0.34) | <.001 | 0.20 (0.17-0.24) | <.001 |
| Medium | 0.22 (0.21-0.23) | <.001 | 0.23 (0.22-0.24) | <.001 | 0.31 (0.29-0.34) | <.001 | 0.27 (0.25-0.29) | <.001 | 0.29 (0.26-0.32) | <.001 | 0.28 (0.25-0.31) | <.001 |
| High | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
Abbreviations: AOR, adjusted odds ratio; NA, not applicable.
After adjusting for covariates, male adolescents who initially used e-cigarettes had a higher risk of suicidal ideation (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.12-1.42; P < .001), suicide planning (AOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.40-1.89; P < .001), and suicide attempts (AOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.28-1.87; P < .001) compared with those who initially used conventional cigarettes. Among female adolescents, the initial use of e-cigarettes was significantly associated with suicide planning (AOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.23-1.95; P < .001) and suicide attempts (AOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.29-2.10; P < .001) compared with the initial use of conventional cigarettes (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Association Between Initial Type of Cigarette Smoked and Suicidal Behaviors.
Analyses were adjusted for school grade, economic status, living situation, academic achievement, alcohol use, physical activity level, self-reported health status, and perceived stress level. AOR indicates adjusted odds ratio; c-cigs, conventional cigarettes; and e-cigs, electronic cigarettes.
aStatistically significant after applying Bonferroni correction.
The demographic characteristics of participants included in the secondary analyses are presented in eTable 1 in the Supplement. Results of the χ2 test for changing cigarette type and covariates were statistically significant. The risk of suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts increased when the cigarette type changed, especially when the change was from e-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes (Table 3). The highest AOR for suicide attempts was 6.91 (95% CI, 4.62-10.33; P < .001) among female adolescents who initially used e-cigarettes and changed to conventional cigarettes. Adolescents of both sexes who initially used e-cigarettes and changed to conventional cigarettes had a higher risk of suicidal behavior than did those who initially used conventional cigarettes and changed to e-cigarettes. Among boys, the AOR for suicidal ideation was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.51-2.34; P < .001); for suicide planning, 2.29 (95% CI, 1.76-2.97; P < .001); and for suicide attempts, 1.89 (95% CI, 1.39-2.57; P < .001). Among girls, the AOR for suicidal ideation was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.24-2.71; P = .002); for suicide planning, 2.22 (95% CI, 1.47-3.36; P = .001); and for suicide attempts, 2.36 (95% CI, 1.53-3.64; P < .001). Statistical significance remained after Bonferroni correction.
Table 3. Association Between Change in Cigarette Type and Suicidal Behaviorsa.
| Variable | Suicidal ideation | Suicide planning | Suicide attempt | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male participants | Female participants | Male participants | Female participants | Male participants | Female participants | |||||||
| AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | AOR (95% CI) | P value | |
| Never smoking as reference | ||||||||||||
| Switched from e-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes (or used both after switching) | 2.54 (2.06-3.13) | <.001b | 2.75 (1.89-4.01) | <.001b | 3.56 (2.77-4.58) | <.001b | 4.58 (3.11-6.75) | <.001b | 4.05 (3.03-5.43) | <.001b | 6.91 (4.62-10.33) | <.001b |
| Initiated smoking using both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes (in same year) | 1.64 (1.48-1.82) | <.001b | 1.91 (1.61-2.25) | <.001b | 1.99 (1.73-2.29) | <.001b | 2.85 (2.30-3.53) | <.001b | 2.48 (2.09-2.95) | <.001b | 3.63 (1.53-2.16) | <.001b |
| Switched from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes (or used both after switching) | 1.35 (1.24-1.48) | <.001b | 1.50 (1.32-1.70) | <.001b | 1.56 (1.38-1.77) | <.001b | 2.06 (1.75-2.42) | <.001b | 2.14 (1.84-2.50) | <.001b | 2.93 (2.48-3.47) | <.001b |
| Used only e-cigarettes | 1.46 (1.27-1.68) | <.001b | 1.57 (1.26-1.95) | <.001b | 2.15 (1.79-2.57) | <.001b | 2.38 (1.82-3.12) | <.001b | 2.47 (1.96-3.11) | <.001b | 3.09 (2.31-4.15) | <.001b |
| Used only conventional cigarettes | 1.33 (1.25-1.43) | <.001b | 1.50 (1.39-1.62) | <.001b | 1.45 (1.30-1.61) | <.001b | 1.71 (1.53-1.91) | <.001b | 1.55 (1.34-1.78) | <.001b | 2.13 (1.89-2.40) | <.001b |
| Never smoked | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
| Switching from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes as reference | ||||||||||||
| Switched from e-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes (or used both after switching) | 1.88 (1.51-2.34) | <.001b | 1.84 (1.24-2.71) | .002b | 2.29 (1.76-2.97) | <.001b | 2.22 (1.47-3.36) | <.001b | 1.89 (1.39-2.57) | <.001b | 2.36 (1.53-3.64) | <.001b |
| Initiated smoking using both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes (in same year) | 1.21 (1.07-1.37) | .002b | 1.27 (1.03-1.57) | .02 | 1.28 (1.08-1.51) | .004 | 1.38 (1.06-1.80) | .02 | 1.16 (0.95-1.42) | .16 | 1.24 (0.95-1.62) | .12 |
| Switched from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes (or used both after switching) | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA | 1 [Reference] | NA |
Abbreviations: AOR, adjusted odds ratio; NA, not applicable.
Adjusted for school grade, economic status, living situation, academic achievement, alcohol use, physical activity level, self-reported health status, and perceived stress level.
Statistically significant after applying Bonferroni correction.
Figure 2 shows the subgroup analyses of the timing in change of cigarette type. Switching from e-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes after 2 years had the strongest association with suicidal ideation among boys (AOR, 3.92; 95% CI, 2.69-5.71; P < .001) and among girls (AOR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.90-7.19; P = .001) and with suicide planning among boys (AOR, 5.21; 95% CI, 3.44-7.89; P < .001) and among girls (AOR, 9.13; 95% CI, 4.92-16.94; P < .001). The association between initial cigarette type and suicidal behaviors stratified by current smoking status is presented in eTable 2 in the Supplement.
Figure 2. Association Between Timing of Change in Cigarette Type and Suicidal Behaviors.
Analyses were adjusted for school grade, economic status, living situation, academic achievement, alcohol use, physical activity level, self-reported health status, and perceived stress level. AOR indicates adjusted odds ratio; c-cigs, conventional cigarettes; e-cigs, electronic cigarettes; and NA, not applicable.
aStatistically significant after applying Bonferroni correction.
Two sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the robustness of the results. Similar results were found with the exception of adolescents who started smoking or changed cigarette type within 12 months of completing the survey. In the analysis conducted using age rather than school grade as a covariate, similar results were observed (eTables 3-5 in the Supplement).
Discussion
To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify an association between cigarette type initially smoked and suicidal behaviors using multiyear national survey data (2015-2018). Furthermore, the data were obtained from approximately 250 000 respondents of a national survey based on random cluster sampling,31 which ensured that the results were sufficiently representative of Korean adolescents. Our findings were similar to those of previous studies17,25 indicating that adolescents who had ever smoked were more likely to show suicidal behaviors than those who had never smoked.
Of note, adolescents who initially used e-cigarettes had a higher risk of suicide planning and suicide attempts than did those who initially used conventional cigarettes. In the secondary and subgroup analyses, the group that initially used e-cigarettes and switched to using conventional cigarettes was the most likely to exhibit suicidal behaviors. Furthermore, switching from e-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes after 2 years had the strongest association with suicidal ideation and suicide planning compared with changing from smoking e-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes within 2 years. Among male adolescents who currently smoked, those who initially used e-cigarettes had a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts.
Adolescents who use e-cigarettes before conventional cigarettes have been reported to have better school performance and higher intake of caffeinated drinks.32 However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the association between the use of e-cigarettes before conventional cigarettes and mental health.
The present findings may be explained by several biological and behavioral mechanisms. E-cigarette aerosol contains highly oxidizing free-base nicotine, which is easily absorbed by the body and is the most addictive form of nicotine.33,34,35 Even nicotine-free e-cigarettes contain nicotine in their aerosols, and discrepancies between the labeled and actual amounts of nicotine have been found.36,37 Continuous exposure to nicotine may reduce serotonin and its metabolites, which can diminish the protection that serotonin provides from stress-induced processes that cause disease.38,39,40 In addition, prolonged nicotine administration can disrupt the brain's dopamine pathway, amplify sensitivity to stress, and distort mechanisms that alleviate depressive symptoms.41
Given that the nicotine concentration in e-cigarettes is generally lower than that in conventional cigarettes,42 nicotine withdrawal phenomenon or nicotine dependence can also occur in adolescents who initially use e-cigarettes. This withdrawal or dependence may lead adolescents to seek other nicotine-containing products, such as conventional cigarettes (the gateway theory24,26), and further increase their impulsivity.24,26,43 Furthermore, the different efficacy of nicotine vaporization and the perception that e-cigarettes are safer and healthier than conventional cigarettes may encourage adolescents to smoke e-cigarettes more frequently, resulting in excessive nicotine exposure.42,44 Substances in e-liquids may also alter the brains of adolescents and may be associated with suicidal behaviors. The flavor chemicals in e-liquids, which are not used in conventional cigarettes, are associated with increases in inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1β and interleukin 6, which have important roles in the pathophysiology of suicidal behaviors.45,46 In addition, through the use of e-cigarettes, adolescents can absorb various trace metals, including arsenic, aluminum, and lead, which can affect the central and peripheral nervous systems and mental health.47,48,49 E-cigarette components, such as e-liquids, flavoring, and metallic coils, also provoke oxidative stress, which harms developing brains.50 Therefore, initial or current use of e-cigarettes may be associated with aggressive and impulsive behavior, impaired cognition, and increased suicidal ideation. Although it is difficult to acquire standardized toxicologic data regarding e-cigarettes,51 future studies are warranted to investigate the molecular composition of the toxicity profile of e-cigarettes.
The distinct characteristics of adolescents who initially use e-cigarettes may also be associated with suicidal behaviors. Adolescents who first smoked with e-cigarettes have lower levels of rebelliousness, and they may be sensitive to nicotine or nicotine withdrawal.43,52,53 Moreover, e-cigarette users have an increased risk of other drug use and mental health problems, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, low self-esteem, and high impulsivity.54,55 The toxicity of e-cigarettes, in conjunction with the aforementioned characteristics of adolescents who used e-cigarettes before conventional cigarettes, may have been associated with increases in suicidal behavior.
Owing to the cross-sectional nature of this study, we could not establish causality or determine the direction of the association. However, we used all applicable measures to estimate the direction of the association, including adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and established factors associated with adolescent suicidal behaviors, and conducted sensitivity analyses that excluded adolescents who started smoking or changed cigarette type within 12 months of the KYRBWS evaluation period for suicidal behaviors.
Our findings suggest that caution should be taken regarding the risk of suicidal behaviors associated with the initial use of e-cigarettes and the subsequent change in cigarette type among adolescents; this is an important hypothesis to be confirmed in future longitudinal studies. If longitudinal clinical trials are able to determine causality, the findings may indicate that e-cigarettes are as unhealthy and unsafe as conventional cigarettes, at least with regard to suicidal behaviors among adolescents. The findings may also justify changes in public health policy and practice, such as the inclusion of questions about e-cigarette history when screening adolescents for suicide risk, the regulation of e-cigarette advertising, and the adoption of educational programs that address the adverse effects of e-cigarettes. Moreover, this study’s results suggest that both current and previous use of e-cigarettes is associated with suicidal behaviors among adolescents; therefore, e-cigarette use should not be overlooked.
Limitations
This study has limitations. We could not identify the direction of the associations or establish causality, although appropriate methods were used to mitigate these limitations. Furthermore, the KYRBWS data were collected anonymously online and self-reported, which may have produced nonrandom misclassification. We could not evaluate the concentration levels of nicotine or other e-liquid components or the dose-response relationship because the KYRBWS did not assess that information. The possibility of residual confounding also cannot be eliminated. In particular, although previous exposure to secondhand smoke may be associated with the initiation of smoking or suicidal behaviors, the KYRBWS did not include variables that could be used to fully assess the respondents’ history of exposure to secondhand smoke. The subgroup analyses showed significant associations even after adjusting for multiple comparisons through Bonferroni correction; however, some associations had wide 95% CIs owing to the small sample.
Conclusions
In this cross-sectional study, adolescents who started smoking using e-cigarettes had a higher risk of suicidal behavior than did those who started smoking using conventional cigarettes. In addition, adolescents who initially used e-cigarettes and changed to conventional cigarettes were more likely to exhibit suicidal behaviors than were those who initially used conventional cigarettes and changed to e-cigarettes. These findings suggest that initial cigarette type is associated with suicidal behavior among adolescents and that consideration of initial cigarette type and subsequent change in cigarette type is warranted when conducting future research and formulating public policy.
eTable 1. Demographic Characteristics for Secondary Analyses of the Sample, 2015 to 2018
eTable 2. Association Between Initial Cigarette Type and Suicidal Behaviors Stratified by Current Smoking Status
eTable 3. Sensitivity Analyses of the Association Between Cigarette Type Initially Smoked and Suicidal Behaviors
eTable 4. Sensitivity Analyses of the Association Between Switching Cigarette Type and Suicidal Behaviors
eTable 5. Sensitivity Analyses of the Association of the Timing of Switching Cigarette Type With Suicidal Behaviors
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Supplementary Materials
eTable 1. Demographic Characteristics for Secondary Analyses of the Sample, 2015 to 2018
eTable 2. Association Between Initial Cigarette Type and Suicidal Behaviors Stratified by Current Smoking Status
eTable 3. Sensitivity Analyses of the Association Between Cigarette Type Initially Smoked and Suicidal Behaviors
eTable 4. Sensitivity Analyses of the Association Between Switching Cigarette Type and Suicidal Behaviors
eTable 5. Sensitivity Analyses of the Association of the Timing of Switching Cigarette Type With Suicidal Behaviors