Trends in the Prevalence of Smoking among Korean Adolescents by Weekly Allowance: The Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey(2011–2017)

Abstract Objective: This study examined long-term trends in adolescent smoking based on weekly allowance and analyzed changes in smoking behavior to inform effective tobacco control policies. Methods: Data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey(2011–2017) were analyzed. Weekly allowance was categorized into four quartiles(0–9,999 KRW, 10,000–19,999 KRW, 20,00039,999 KRW, and ≥40,000 KRW). Cigarette use, e-cigarette use, and dual use were assessed using a complex sample design with frequency analyses, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression. Results: Cigarette smoking was significantly higher in the upper allowance quartiles, while e-cigarette use increased in the highest quartile beginning in 2013. Dual use increased from 2011 to 2016 but declined in the highest allowance group in 2017. Conclusions: Weekly allowance and related economic factors should be considered in adolescent tobacco control interventions. These findings provide important evidence for developing future policies and programs.