Quit intention by tobacco use type among adults using cigarettes and heated tobacco products: findings from the 2024 Korea Community Health Survey.

Abstract

Objectives: Since heated tobacco products (HTPs) entered the tobacco market, their market share and use have increased, but their implications for tobacco use patterns and cessation remain unclear. This study classified conventional cigarette (CC) and HTP use into detailed subgroups and examined whether tobacco consumption and intention to quit differed across tobacco use types.

Methods: Data were analyzed from 40,434 adults who currently used CCs or HTPs in the 2024 Korea Community Health Survey. Tobacco use was classified into 5 groups according to lifetime and current CC and HTP use. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess group distributions, and multinomial and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors and examine intention to quit within 6 months.

Results: Among adults currently using CCs or HTPs, 73.7% reported exclusive CC use, 10.2% reported exclusive HTP use, and 16.1% reported dual use. Overall mean tobacco consumption was 14.4 sticks per day and was highest among dual users (20.7 sticks per day). Compared with the current CC and never HTP group, the current CC and former HTP group had higher odds of intending to quit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06-1.34), whereas the current HTP and former CC group had lower odds of intending to quit (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67-0.90).

Conclusion: Intention to quit varied by tobacco use type. Cessation services should account for differences in tobacco use patterns and intention to quit across tobacco use groups, particularly among people with prior or current HTP use and those who use both CCs and HTPs.