Associations of long working hours with the use of combustible cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products among young adults: a population-based study of South Korea

Abstract

Background: While the non-conventional tobacco products have recently gained popularity among young adults, the link between occupational exposures and tobacco use behaviors has been scarcely explored. We investigated the association of long working hours with tobacco product use in young adults. Methods: A nationwide sample of 10 451 young workers in South Korea aged 19-34 years was analyzed. Weekly working hours and the consumption of combustible cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products were assessed. Logistic regressions were employed to determine the relation between working hours and tobacco products use, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among the participants, 20.9%, 55.8%, 12.7%, 5.9%, and 4.6% reported working <35, 35-40, 41-48, 49-54, and >= 55 h/week, respectively. Compared to working 35-40 h/week, working 49-54 h/week (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.21-1.82) and >= 55 h/week (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.13-1.77) were associated with using combustible cigarettes. Similarly, working 49-54 h/week (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.81) and >= 55 h/week (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.06-1.90) were linked to using electronic cigarettes. Additionally, working >= 55 h/week was associated with using heated tobacco products (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.43-1.93) compared to working 35-40 h/week. Furthermore, compared to working 35-40 h/week, working >= 55 h/week was linked to the use of multiple tobacco products (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.28-3.13). Conclusion: Long working hours is linked to the use of various forms of tobacco products among young adults.