Search

Objective Most smokers who achieve short-term abstinence relapse even when aided by evidence-based cessation treatment. Mobile health presents a promising but largely untested avenue for providing adjunct behavioral support for relapse prevention. This paper presents the rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of personalized mobile chat messaging support for relapse prevention among people who recently quit smoking. Methods This is a two-arm, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted in two clinic-based smoking cessation services in Hong Kong. An estimated 586 daily tobacco users who have abstained for 3 to 30 days will be randomized (1:1) to intervention group or control group. Both groups receive standard-of-care smoking cessation treatment from the services. The intervention group additionally receives 3-month relapse prevention support via mobile chat messaging, including cessation advice delivered by a live counselor and access to a supportive chatbot via WhatsApp. The control group receives text messaging on generic cessation advice for 3 months as attention control. The primary outcome is tobacco abstinence verified by an exhaled carbon monoxide of

Introduction Smoke or aerosols from cigarettes, e-cigarettes (ECs), or heated tobacco products (HTPs) are harmful. Yet, there is little knowledge about the specific patterns of secondhand tobacco exposure by source within household settings and the socioeconomic status (SES) differences in adolescents. Methods We used territory-representative student data from a cross-sectional schoolbased survey in 2020–2021 to calculate the weighted prevalence of secondhand exposure to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and HTPs in the past seven days. Parental education and perceived family affluence were used as indicators of socioeconomic status. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze associations. Results Among 22039 participants, 29.8% reported any secondhand tobacco exposure (SH-Any) at home, primarily from cigarettes (27.4%), followed by e-cigarettes (4.0%) and HTPs (0.9%). Tertiary parental education level was associated with lower SH-Any exposure (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.45–0.53, p

BackgroundThe relationships between alcohol marketing exposure, alcohol use, and purchase have been widely studied. However, prospective studies examining the causal relationships in real-world settings using mobile health tools are limited. ObjectiveWe used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine both the within-person– and between-person–level effects of alcohol marketing exposure on any alcohol use, amount of alcohol use, any alcohol purchase, and frequency of alcohol purchase among university students. MethodsFrom January to June 2020, we conducted a prospective cohort study via EMA among university students in Hong Kong who reported current drinking. Over 14 consecutive days, each participant completed 5 fixed-interval, signal-contingent EMAs daily via a smartphone app. Each EMA asked about the number and types of alcohol marketing exposures, the amount and types of alcohol used, and whether any alcohol was purchased, all within the past 3 hours. We used 2-part models, including multilevel logistic regressions and multilevel gamma regressions, to examine if the number of alcohol marketing exposure was associated with subsequent alcohol use and alcohol purchase. ResultsA total of 49 students participated, with 33% (16/49) being male. The mean age was 22.6 (SD 2.6) years. They completed 2360 EMAs (completion rate: 2360/3430, 68.8%). Participants reported exposure to alcohol marketing in 5.9% (140/2360), alcohol use in 6.1% (145/2360), and alcohol purchase in 2.4% (56/2360) of all the EMAs. At the between-person level, exposure to more alcohol marketing predicted a higher likelihood of alcohol use (adjusted odd ratio [AOR]=3.51, 95% CI 1.29-9.54) and a higher likelihood of alcohol purchase (AOR=4.59, 95% CI 1.46-14.49) the following day. Exposure to more alcohol marketing did not increase the amount of alcohol use or frequency of alcohol purchases the following day in participants who used or purchased alcohol. At the within-person level, exposure to more alcohol marketing was not associated with a higher likelihood of alcohol use, amount of alcohol use, higher likelihood of alcohol purchase, or frequency of alcohol purchases the following day (all Ps>.05). Each additional exposure to alcohol marketing within 1 week predicted an increase of 0.85 alcoholic drinks consumed in the following week (adjusted B=0.85, 95% CI 0.09-1.61). On days of reporting alcohol use, the 3 measures for alcohol marketing receptivity were not associated with more alcohol use or purchase (all Ps>.05). ConclusionsBy using EMA, we provided the first evidence for the effect of alcohol marketing exposure on initiating alcohol use and purchase in current-drinking university students. Our findings provide evidence of the regulation of alcohol marketing for the reduction of alcohol use and purchase among young adults.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a brief community-based intervention to promote physical activity (PA) and the mental well-being of adults in Hong Kong. Methods: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 15 family service centers. The intervention group (N = 162, 8 centers) received two 2-h interventions uniquely combining “Sharing, Mind and Enjoyment (SME),” Zero-time Exercises (ZTEx), positive psychology, and simple family games. “Sharing” involved promoting PA among families and peers, “Mind” captured positive emotions during PA, and “Enjoyment” assessed engagement of PA. ZTEx are simple PAs to reduce sedentary behaviors and enhancing PA and fitness and require minimal time and no cost or equipment. The control group (N = 152, 7 centers) received interventions unrelated to SME. Primary outcomes were PA-related SME at a 3-month follow-up after completing the baseline questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included subjective happiness, well-being, and family-related outcomes. Participants reported self-perceived changes at 1- and 3-month. Nine focus group discussions with the participants and 4 individual in-depth interviews with community service providers were conducted. Results: The retention rate at1 month was 90.1% for the intervention group and 95.4% for the control group, while at 3 months, it was 83.3% and 92.8%, respectively. The intervention group showed significantly greater positive changes in PA-related outcomes than the control group at 3-month follow-up (Cohen’s d = 0.33-0.42, all P

BackgroundWhile text messaging has proven effective for smoking cessation (SC), engagement in the intervention remains suboptimal. ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate whether using more interactive and adaptive instant messaging (IM) apps on smartphones, which enable personalization and chatting with SC advisors, can enhance SC outcomes beyond the provision of brief SC advice and active referral (AR) to SC services. MethodsFrom December 2018 to November 2019, we proactively recruited 700 adult Chinese daily cigarette users in Hong Kong. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. At baseline, all participants received face-to-face brief advice on SC. Additionally, they were introduced to local SC services and assisted in selecting one. The intervention group received an additional 26 personalized regular messages and access to interactive chatting through IM apps for 3 months. The regular messages aimed to enhance self-efficacy, social support, and behavioral capacity for quitting, as well as to clarify outcome expectations related to cessation. We developed 3 sets of messages tailored to the planned quit date (within 30 days, 60 days, and undecided). Participants in the intervention group could initiate chatting with SC advisors on IM themselves or through prompts from regular messages or proactive inquiries from SC advisors. The control group received 26 SMS text messages focusing on general health. The primary outcomes were smoking abstinence validated by carbon monoxide levels of

Introduction Tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, severe COVID-19 outcomes requiring intensive care, and mortality. We investigated the perceived risk of and changes in cigarette, e-cigarette (EC) and heated tobacco product (HTP) use in relation to COVID-19 in Hong Kong adolescent tobacco users. Methods We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews from January to April 2021 and in February 2022 on 40 adolescents (63% boys, Secondary school grades 2–6) who participated in our previous smoking surveys and were using cigarettes, ECs or HTPs before the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020. Results Adolescents generally perceived higher risks of contracting and having more severe COVID-19 from using cigarettes than ECs/HTPs, but they had limited knowledge of COVID-19 risks from EC/HTP use, particularly. Both increased and reduced consumption were found in tobacco, with EC use being the less affected product. Changes also included switching to ECs for convenience and lower cost and shifting from smoking cigarettes outside to mainly at home or in hidden areas. COVID-related policies, fear of infection, non-COVID-related health concerns, less social opportunities and pocket money, and limited access to tobacco products were barriers to tobacco use. In contrast, greater freedom at home versus school and negative emotions due to social distancing were facilitators. Family/peer influence had mixed impacts. Conclusions Adolescent tobacco users perceived lower COVID risks associated with HTPs and ECs than cigarettes, and various changes in tobacco use were found amid the pandemic in Hong Kong. COVID-19 and related social changes may both facilitate or deter adolescent tobacco use.

Passive drinking is prevalent in adolescents worldwide, but its prevalence and harm are understudied. Secondary students (n = 5840, grades 7–12) from 23 selected schools in Hong Kong participated in the survey from 2015–16. Students reported the harm of passive drinking, perceived health status (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and Perceived Stress Scale-4), perceived happiness, and family health, happiness, and harmony in the questionnaire. The associations were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression (odds ratio, OR) and linear regression (unstandardized coefficient, b), adjusted for confounders. It was found that 29.1% (95% CI 27.8 to 30.5%) of students experienced passive drinking in the past 30 days. The past 30-day parental passive drinking was associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms (AOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.10), stress (adjusted b 0.76, 0.42 to 1.10), and lower level of perceived happiness (adjusted b −0.52, −0.72 to −0.33). The past 30-day parental passive drinking was associated with a lower level of family health (adjusted b −1.39, 95% CI −1.66 to −1.11), family happiness (adjusted b −1.36, −1.64 to −1.08), and family harmony (adjusted b −1.40, −1.70 to −1.10). Passive drinking was associated with poorer mental health, family wellbeing, and a lower level of happiness among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents.

Background: Breakfast is deemed the most important meal of the day. We examined the prospective associations of breakfast habits with emotional/behavioral problems in adolescents and potential effect modification. Methods: 115,217 Primary 6 students (United States Grade 6; mean age, 11.9; standard deviation [SD], 0.59 years) who attended the Student Health Service of Department of Health in Hong Kong in 2004/05, 2006/07, 2008/09 were followed till Secondary 6 (United States Grade 12). Emotional/behavioral problems were biennially examined using Youth Self-Report since Secondary 2 (United States Grade 8). Lifestyles were biennially examined using standardized questionnaires since Primary 6. Prospective associations of breakfast habit with emotional/behavioral problems and potential effect modification were examined using generalized estimating equations. Results: Compared with eating breakfast at home, eating breakfast away from home was significantly associated with total emotional/behavioral problems and seven syndromes, including withdrawal, somatic complaints, anxiety/depression, thought problems, attention problems, delinquent behaviors, and aggressive behaviors (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] 1.22–2.04), while skipping breakfast showed stronger associations with the above problems and social problems (AORs 1.34–2.29). Stronger associations were observed in younger students for total and attention problems (P < 0.03) and in those with lower weight status for delinquent behaviors (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Eating breakfast away from home and especially skipping breakfast were prospectively associated with adolescent emotional/behavioral problems. The associations weakened with increasing age for total emotional/behavioral and attention problems, and weakened with higher weight status for delinquent behaviors, highlighting the vulnerability of younger and underweight children. If the associations are causal, increasing home breakfast may reduce adolescent emotional/behavioral problems and benefit psychosocial health.

BackgroundMask-wearing in outdoor public places in Hong Kong was mandated on 29 July 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the impact of mandatory masking with no exemption for smoking on outdoor smoking.MethodsWe conducted 253 unobtrusive observations at 10 outdoor smoking hotspots in 33 months from July 2019 to March 2022 and counted smokers and non-smoking pedestrians in fixed boundaries. We conducted interrupted time-series analyses on the monthly mean volume of smokers (persons per hour) using generalized linear models. The independent variables were as follows: time since the first observation, implementation of the mask regulation, time since the regulation, seasonality, and waves 1–5 outbreaks. We checked the robustness of the association using the daily mean volume of smokers as the dependent variable. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted to include the hotspot location or the number of all pedestrians as an offset.ResultsMonthly outdoor smoking decreased immediately after the regulation (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.505, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.374 to 0.680, P < 0.001). Daily smoking analysis and the two sensitivity analyses supported the results. However, monthly outdoor smoking increased by 11% since the regulation (IRR: 1.110, 95% CI: 1.074 to 1.147, P < 0.001). An exception was observed at the most severe wave 5 outbreak when monthly outdoor smoking decreased (IRR: 0.415, 95% CI: 0.327 to 0.525, P < 0.001).ConclusionOutdoor smoking fell immediately after mandatory masking, rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, and decreased again at the most severe wave 5.

Abstract Pandemic fatigue is a growing public health concern of the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its widespread mass media coverage, systematic empirical investigations are scarce. Under the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, we conducted online and telephone surveys amid the pandemic in February to March 2021 to assess self-reported pandemic fatigue (range 0–10) in Hong Kong adults (N = 4726) and its associations with sociodemographic and psycho-behavioral (high vs low to moderate) variables. Data were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Binary logistic regression models yielded adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for high pandemic fatigue (score ≥ 7) for sociodemographic and psycho-behavioral variables. 43.7% reported high pandemic fatigue. It was less common in older people (55–64 years: aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.82; 65 + years: 0.33, 0.21–0.52) versus age group 18–24 years, but more common in those with tertiary education (1.36, 1.15–1.62) versus secondary or below. High pandemic fatigue was positively associated with depressive symptoms (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.55–2.17), anxiety symptoms (1.87, 1.58–2.20), loneliness (1.75, 1.32–2.31), personal fear of COVID-19 (2.61, 2.12–3.23), family fear of COVID-19 (2.03, 1.67–2.47), and current alcohol use (1.16, 1.00–1.33), but negatively associated with self-rated health (0.79, 0.68–0.92), personal happiness (0.63, 0.55–0.72), personal adversity coping capability (0.71, 0.63–0.81), family adversity coping capability (0.79, 0.69–0.90), family well-being (0.84, 0.73–0.97), family communication quality (0.86, 0.75–0.98), and frequent home exercise (0.82, 0.69–0.96; versus less frequent). We first used a single-item tool to measure COVID-19 pandemic fatigue, showing that it was common and associated with worse mental health, lower levels of personal and family well-being and alcohol use.

Abstract Background Adversity coping capability (ACC) is important amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the associations of ACC as measured by our one-item ACC scale (ACC-1) with mental health, family well-being and validity of ACC-1 in Hong Kong. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Hong Kong Chinese adults aged ≥ 18 years by landline, mobile phone, and online survey from February to March 2021, when the fourth wave of COVID-19 was under control. ACC-1 consisted of the question: “How do you rate your capability to cope with adversities?” with higher scores (0–10) indicating stronger ACC. The associations of ACC with socioeconomic characteristics, resilience, mental health, and family wellbeing were examined by linear regression coefficients (βs). Data were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Results Of 7441 respondents, after weighing, 52.2% were female and 79.1% were aged 18 to 64 years. ACC-1 showed good construct validity, with higher ACC being associated with higher levels of resilience (adjusted β = 0.29), personal happiness (0.55), family happiness (0.42), family wellbeing (0.41), and family communication quality (0.41), and lower levels of depressive symptoms (-0.30), anxiety (-0.30), loneliness (-0.15); incremental validity with additional contributions of ACC to mental health and family wellbeing; and known-group validity with older age and favorable socioeconomic characteristics showing higher ACC (all P

IntroductionBoth perceived benefits and harms of COVID-19 have been reported, but whether they affect confidence in coping with the pandemic and mental health remains uncertain.ObjectiveTo examine the association of perceived benefits and harms of COVID-19 with confidence in coping with the pandemic and mental health symptoms.MethodsA population-based survey was conducted on 7,535 Hong Kong adults from 22 February to 23 March 2021, when the 4th wave of COVID-19 was under control. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived benefits (10 options) and harms (12 options) of COVID-19, confidence in coping with the pandemic (range 0–10), loneliness (range 0–4), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorders-2, range 0–6) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2, range 0–6) was collected. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the combined patterns of perceived benefits and harms of COVID-19. The associations of combined patterns with confidence in coping with COVID-19, loneliness, anxiety, and depression were examined using linear regression (β coefficient) adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsThe combined patterns of perceived benefits and harms were classified into benefit (n = 4,338, 59.3%), harm (n = 995, 14.0%), and ambivalent (n = 2,202, 26.7%) groups. Compared with the ambivalent group, the benefit group had a significantly higher level of confidence (adjusted β 0.46, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.58), and lower levels of loneliness (−0.35, −0.40 to-0.29), anxiety (−0.67, 0.76 to-0.59), and depression (−0.65, −0.73 to-0.57). The harm group had a significantly lower level of confidence (−0.35, −0.53 to-0.16), and higher levels of loneliness (0.38, 0.30 to 0.45), anxiety (0.84, 0.73 to 0.96), and depression (0.95, 0.84 to 1.07).ConclusionPerceived greater benefit from COVID-19 was associated with better mental health and stronger confidence in coping with the pandemic.

Introduction Changes in tobacco use since the COVID-19 outbreak differed by countries and little is known about changes in the use of specific tobacco products. Methods We analyzed data from four cross-sectional telephone/online surveys from April to June 2020 to investigate such changes since the 1st and 2nd wave outbreaks (February to April 2020) in Hong Kong. The respondents were 1595 adults (83.2% male) who used tobacco before the COVID-19 outbreak from our previous intervention study and surveys. We investigated the changes in tobacco use, intention to quit and quit attempts during the outbreak. Results About two-thirds (65.3%) of respondents reported no change in overall tobacco use, while 23.1% used less (including cessation) and 11.6% used more, resulting in a net decrease of 11.5 percentage points. A greater net decrease was observed for cigarettes (14.3% points) than heated tobacco products (HTPs, 3.3% points) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, 2.5% points). Decreased use was mainly due to the more extended stay at home (63.2%), health considerations (52.6%) and mask-wearing (47.4%), while increased use was for passing time (75.0%) and releasing stress (46.4%). Eight percent of cigarette, HTP and e-cigarette users reported a higher intention to quit since the pandemic outbreak. Nineteen percent of tobacco users (176/948) attempted to quit during the pandemic. Only 2.9% (46/1569) were abstinent at the time of the survey. Conclusions Overall tobacco use decreased after the first two waves of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong. A greater proportion of cigarette users decreased use than HTP and e-cigarette users. Given the different methods used in the four surveys, future studies should aim for a large and representative sample.

Abstract Background How weight status changes with time may affect self-esteem was seldom studied. We identified the distinct trajectories of overweight/obesity over age and assessed their associations with different domains of self-esteem in Hong Kong Chinese children. Methods Territory-wide longitudinal data of 48,558 children (girls: 50.0%; 6.3 ± 0.51 years) studying Primary 1 in the academic cohorts of 1995/96 and 1996/97 followed till Primary 6 were obtained from the Student Health Service of Hong Kong. Weight was annually measured and categorized as underweight/normal and overweight/obese and self-esteem was measured in Primary 6. Distinct trajectories of weight status were first identified using growth mixture modeling and their associations with low self-esteem were assessed by logistic regression. Results Four distinct overweight/obesity trajectories were identified: never (76.8%), late-onset (8.1%), early-onset (4.2%) and chronic (10.9%) overweight/obesity. Compared with children who were never overweight/obese, more of those in the late-onset or chronic overweight/obesity group showed low self-esteem and specific domains including general, social and academic/school-related (adjusted odds ratios: 1.20 - 1.43, all P < 0.001) except parent/home-related self-esteem (P = 0.36), whereas children being in the early-onset overweight/obesity group showed no significant difference (P ≥ 0.53) except a lower risk of low social self-esteem (adjusted odds ratio = 0.82, P = 0.03). Conclusions Late-onset or chronic overweight/obesity predicted low general, social and academic/school-related self-esteem. Children who successfully reduced weight may have equal levels of self-esteem or even better social self-esteem than those being always underweight/normal weight. Overweight/obese children had a vulnerability to self-esteem in non-domestic environments.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic drives psychological distress. Previous studies have mostly focused on individual determinants but overlooked family factors. The present study aimed to examine the associations of individual and family factors with psychological distress, and the mediating effect of individual fear and the moderating role of household income on the above associations.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey on Chinese adults in Hong Kong from February to March 2021 (N = 2,251) to measure the independent variables of anti-epidemic fatigue, anti-epidemic confidence, individual and family members’ fear of COVID-19, and family well-being (range 0–10), and the dependent variable of psychological distress (through four-item Patient Health Questionnaire, range 0–4).ResultsHierarchical regression showed that anti-epidemic fatigue was positively (β = 0.23, 95% CI [0.18, 0.28]) while anti-epidemic confidence was negatively (β = −0.29, 95% CI [−0.36, −0.22]) associated with psychological distress. Family members’ fear of COVID-19 was positively (β = 0.11, 95% CI [0.05, 0.16]) while family well-being was negatively (β = −0.57, 95% CI [−0.63, −0.51]) associated with psychological distress. Structural equation model showed that individual fear mediated the above associations except for family well-being. Multi-group analyses showed a non-significant direct effect of anti-epidemic confidence and a slightly stronger direct effect of family well-being on psychological distress among participants with lower incomes, compared to those with higher incomes.ConclusionWe have first reported the double-edged effect of family context on psychological distress, with the positive association between family members’ fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress fully mediated by individual fear and the negative association between family well-being and psychological distress moderated by income level. Future studies are warranted to investigate how the contagion of fear develops in the family and how the inequality of family resources impacts family members’ mental health amid the pandemic.

ObjectiveFamily services are open to the community at large as well as vulnerable groups; however, little is known about the willingness of communities to attend such services. We investigated the willingness and preferences to attend family services and their associated factors (including sociodemographic characteristics, family wellbeing, and family communication quality) in Hong Kong.MethodsA population-based survey was conducted on residents aged over 18 years from February to March 2021. Data included sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, education, housing type, monthly household income, and the number of cohabitants), willingness to attend family services to promote family relationships (yes/no), family service preferences (healthy living, emotion management, family communication promotion, stress management, parent-child activities, family relationship fostering, family life education, and social network building; each yes/no), family wellbeing, and family communication quality (both scores 0–10). Family wellbeing was assessed using the average scores of perceived family harmony, happiness and health (each score 0–10). Higher scores indicate better family wellbeing or family communication quality. Prevalence estimates were weighted by sex, age and educational level of the general population. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for the willingness and preferences to attend family services were calculated in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, family wellbeing, and family communication quality.ResultsOverall, 22.1% (1,355/6,134) and 51.6% (996/1,930) of respondents were willing to attend family services to promote relationships or when facing problems, respectively. Older age (aPR = 1.37–2.30, P < 0.001–0.034) and having four or more cohabitants (aPR = 1.44–1.53, P = 0.002–0.003) were associated with increased aPR of willingness for both situations. Lower family wellbeing and communication quality were associated with lower aPR for such willingness (aPR = 0.43–0.86, P = 0.018–

BackgroundWe have reported both perceived benefits and harms of the COVID-19 outbreak and their socioeconomic disparities amid the pandemic in Hong Kong. We further investigated whether such perceptions and disparities had changed after 10 months.MethodsUnder the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, we conducted two cross-sectional surveys online on perceived personal and family benefits and harms of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong adults in May 2020 (after Wave 2 was under control; N = 4,891) and in February and March 2021 (after Wave 4 was under control; N = 6,013). We collected sociodemographic information, including sex, age, education, household income, and housing. Using multivariate models of analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), we compared perceived benefits and harms and socioeconomic disparities between the two surveys.ResultsAdjusting for sex and age, the prevalence of 17 out of 18 perceived personal and family benefits of COVID-19 outbreak increased (Ps < 0.001). Six of 11 perceived personal and family harms decreased (Ps < 0.001) and 4 increased (Ps < 0.001). The total number of perceived personal and family benefits increased substantially (Ps < 0.001), whereas that of perceived personal harms decreased (P = 0.01) and family harms remained stable (P > 0.05). Socioeconomic disparities, however, persisted—more perceived benefits in those with higher socioeconomic status (Ps < 0.001) and more perceived harms in those with lower (Ps ≤ 0.005).ConclusionWe have first reported that perceived personal and family benefits of the COVID-19 outbreak increased substantially over 10 months amid the pandemic, while perceived personal and family harms were lower and stable, respectively. Socioeconomic disparities of the perceived benefits and harms persisted, which need to be monitored and addressed urgently.

Abstract Smoking is a major cause of health inequities. However, sociodemographic differences in adolescent tobacco use are unclear. In a territory-wide school-based anonymous survey in 2018/19, we investigated tobacco use and sociodemographic correlates in 33,991 students (mean age 14.8 ± 1.9 years) in Hong Kong. Tobacco use prevalence and current-ever use ratios by sociodemographic factors were calculated. Generalised linear mixed models were used in association analyses. Current use was highest for cigarettes (3.2%), closely followed by alternative tobacco products (3.0%). Current-ever use ratios were highest for heated tobacco products (HTPs, 0.60), followed by nicotine e-cigarettes (0.52), waterpipe (0.51), and cigarettes (0.35). Use prevalence and current-ever use ratios of all products showed curvilinear relations with perceived family affluence (P values

BackgroundThe acceleration of population aging calls for simple and effective interventions catered for older people. Gerontechnology, the combination of gerontology and technology, can promote quality of life in older adults. However, public health-related events incorporating information communication technology (ICT) for older people have seldom been evaluated.ObjectiveWe reported the development and evaluation of two simple and brief digital health promotion games hosted at the annual Hong Kong Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES) in 2018 and 2019 to promote well-being.MethodsTwo game booths (Dinosaur Augmented Reality photo-taking in 2018, Sit-and-Stand fitness challenge in 2019) were designed by our interdisciplinary team. Four gaming technologies were employed: augmented reality, chroma key (green screen), motion detection and 3D modeling. Immediately after the game, we administered a brief questionnaire survey to assess participant satisfaction, happiness and perceived benefits, and collected qualitative data through observations and informal interviews.ResultsMajority of 1,186 and 729 game booth participants in 2018 and 2019, respectively, were female (73.4% and 64.7%) and older adults (65.5 and 65.2%). Overall satisfaction toward the game booths was high (4.64 ± 0.60 and 4.54 ± 0.68 out of 5), with females and older adults reporting higher scores. Average personal and family happiness of participants in 2018 were 8.2 and 8.0 (out of 10). 90.3 and 18.4% of participants in 2019 chose one or more personal (e.g. enhance healthy living habits 62.4%, enhance personal happiness 61.6%) and family (e.g. enhance family happiness 15.6%, improve family relationships 10.8%) benefits of the game booth, respectively. Participants showed enthusiasm toward the technologies, and pride in their physical abilities in the fitness challenge.ConclusionOur report on the development and evaluation of brief game interventions with ICT showed high satisfaction and immediate perceived benefits in community participants. Females and older adults reported higher satisfaction. Simple tools measuring happiness and perceived benefits showed positive results. Older adults were receptive and enthusiastic about the new technologies. Our findings can inform researchers and organizers of similar events. More research on simple and enjoyable ICT interventions is needed to attract older adults and promote their well-being.Trial registrationThe research protocol was registered at the National Institutes of Health (Identifier number: NCT03960372) on May 23, 2019.

ObjectiveWe assessed the associations of family wellbeing with verifying and subsequently forwarding COVID-19-related information to family members and the mediating effect of the quality of family communication on these associations among Chinese adults in Hong Kong.MethodsUnder the Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, we conducted an online population-based survey, using Family wellbeing Scale and questions related to the family communication quality and forwarding and verifying COVID-19 information. Data were collected from 4,891 adults in May 2020. Prevalence estimates of forwarding and verifying COVID-19 information were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population, and their associations with family wellbeing (ranged 0–10) were analyzed using generalized linear models with mutual adjustment. Their interactive effects on family wellbeing and the mediating effects of family communication quality were examined.ResultsIn total, 53.9% of respondents usually/always forwarded COVID-19 information related to their family, 68.7% usually/always verified it before forwarding, and 40.9% did both. Greater family wellbeing was associated with usually/always forwarding [adjusted β (95% CI): 0.82 (0.72–0.92)] and usually/always verifying [0.43 (0.32–0.55)] (both P < 0.001) the information. Forwarding and verifying such information showed an additive effect on family wellbeing [1.25 (1.11–1.40)]. Family communication quality mediated the associations of family wellbeing with forwarding (83.7%) and verifying (86.6%) COVID-19-related information.ConclusionForwarding COVID-19 information to family, verifying such information, and especially doing both, were associated with greater family wellbeing, being strongly mediated by the quality of family communication. Individuals should be encouraged to verify COVID-19-related information before forwarding it to family members amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Background The role of dietary fiber intake on risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. We examined the associations of dietary fiber intake on the risk of NPC adjusting for a comprehensive list of potential confounders. Methods Using data from a multicenter case-control study, we included 815 histologically confirmed NPC incident cases and 1502 controls in Hong Kong, China recruited in 2014–2017. Odds ratios (ORs) of NPC (cases vs controls) for dietary fiber intake from different sources at different life periods (age 13–18, age 19–30, and 10 years before recruitment) were evaluated using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status, smoking and drinking status, occupational hazards, family history of cancer, salted fish, and total energy intake in Model 1, Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen serological status in Model 2, and duration of sun exposure and circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Model 3. Results Higher intake of total dietary fiber 10 years before recruitment was significantly associated with decreased NPC risk, with demonstrable dose-response relationship (P-values for trend = 0.001, 0.020 and 0.024 in Models 1–3, respectively). The adjusted ORs (95% CI) in the highest versus the lowest quartile were 0.51 (0.38–0.69) in Model 1, 0.48 (0.33–0.69) in Model 2, and 0.48 (0.33–0.70) in Model 3. However, the association was less clear after adjustment of other potential confounders (e.g. EBV) in the two younger periods (age of 13–18 and 19–30 years). Risks of NPC were significantly lower for dietary fiber intake from fresh vegetables and fruits and soybean products over all three periods, with dose-response relationships observed in all Models (P-values for trend for age 13–18, age 19–30 and 10 years before recruitment were, respectively, 0.002, 0.009 and 0.001 for Model1; 0.020, 0.031 and 0.003 for Model 2; and 0.022, 0.037 and 0.004 for Model 3). No clear association of NPC risk with dietary fiber intake from preserved vegetables, fruits and condiments was observed. Conclusion Our study has shown the protective role of dietary fiber from fresh food items in NPC risk, but no association for total dietary fiber intake was observed, probably because total intake also included intake of preserved food. Further studies with detailed dietary information and in prospective settings are needed to confirm this finding, and to explore the possible underlying biological mechanisms.

Abstract Background Tobacco advertisements have been banned in Hong Kong, but low intensity e-cigarette (EC) advertising can still be found in various media outlets. We investigated the associations between exposure to EC advertising and susceptibility to EC use in adolescents who had never used cigarettes or ECs, with potential mediation by attitudes towards ECs and the tobacco industry. Methods The School-based Smoking Survey 2016/17 assessed exposure to EC advertising in the past 30 days, attitudes towards ECs and the tobacco industry, susceptibility to EC use, and other covariates. Generalised linear mixed models and multiple mediation analysis methods were used in data analyses. Results Among 7082 students (mean age 14.9 years), 28.8% reported exposure to EC advertising. Exposure was associated with being uncertain about the harm of EC use, being tolerant towards ECs, believing the tobacco industry is respectable, and being susceptible to EC use; the magnitudes of these associations increased with the number of types of advertising exposed (0, 1, and ≥ 2) (all p-values

BackgroundInformation and communication technology (ICT) use may enhance social work practice and continuous professional development. Under the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, we developed an innovative web-based training, learning, and sharing platform (i-TLS) to support not only ICT and other learning needs of Hong Kong social workers but also their practice. ObjectiveWe developed i-TLS with 3 major components (i-Training, i-Learning, and i-Sharing) and assessed its acceptability and impact on facilitating ICT use in family services. MethodsWe described the i-TLS development based on a 4-phase model and evaluated i-TLS using the platform database, Google Analytics, a self-administered survey, and individual phone interviews 1 year after launching. Resultsi-TLS was launched in 12 nongovernmental organizations on July 1, 2019. The COVID-19 outbreak in December 2019 limited face-to-face services, which galvanized digital transformation in social work practice. By July 31, 2020, 313 social workers had registered with i-TLS. Approximately 79.6% (249/313) of users accessed i-TLS at least once in the past 28 days, averaging 3.2 (SD 1.35) platform visits per day and viewing 4.8 (SD 1.42) pages per visit. i-Training provided 41 mini-modules on applying ICT to family services, with 730 enrollments. Approximately 70% (511/730) of users completed the mini-modules and obtained digital mini-certificates. i-Learning provided 112 items of learning resources centered on ICT use in family services, with nearly 4000 page views. i-Sharing had 25 discussion threads with 59 posts. Approximately 53.7% (168/313) of users completed the 1-year evaluation survey, including 7.1% (12/168) who were phone interviewed. The mean i-TLS satisfaction score (out of 10) increased from light (4.99, SD 1.54) to occasional (6.15, SD 1.34) and frequent (6.31, SD 2.29) users. Frequent users showed higher scores (out of 10) than light users for an increase in knowledge (5.84, SD 1.34 vs 4.09, SD 1.74; P

BackgroundBoth face-to-face and instant messaging (IM) communication are important for families, but face-to-face communication has reduced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the use and contents of both communication methods amidst the pandemic, their associations with family wellbeing and personal happiness, and the mediation effects of communication quality in Hong Kong Chinese adults.MethodsThis population-based online survey enrolled 4,921 respondents in May 2020, who reported (i) any face-to-face or IM family communication when the pandemic was severe; (ii) communication contents being classified as neutral, positive, supportive, and negative; and (iii) communication quality, family wellbeing and personal happiness (score 0–10). Associations of family wellbeing and personal happiness with communication methods and contents (no communication excluded) were examined using linear regressions (β), adjusting for each other, sex, age, socioeconomic status, and the number of cohabitants. Mediating effects of communication quality on these associations were examined. Prevalence estimates were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Interactions of methods and contents were examined.ResultsOf 4,891 included respondents (female: 52.9%, 45–54 years: 37.7%, ≥65 years: 21.3%), 7.1% reported no communication, 12.7% face-to-face communication only, 26.7% IM only, and 53.4% both methods. More males and those at younger ages, had lower socioeconomic status, or fewer cohabitants showed no family communication or face-to-face only. More respondents reported neutral (83.1–99.3%) than positive (42.1–62.2%), supportive (37.5–54.8%), and negative (10.9–34.5%) contents despite communication methods. Communication quality was higher with both methods than IM only, face-to-face only, and no communication (scores: 6.7 vs. 4.5–6.6, all P ≤ 0.02). Better family wellbeing and personal happiness were associated with using IM only (adjusted βs: 0.37 and 0.48) and both methods (0.37 and 0.42) than face-to-face only, and positive (0.62 and 0.74) or supportive (0.45 and 0.46) contents (all P ≤ 0.001). Communication quality mediated 35.2–93.5% of these associations. Stronger associations between positive contents and family wellbeing showed in both methods and face-to-face only than IM only (P for interaction = 0.006).ConclusionsWe have first shown that, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, family IM communication and positive and supportive contents may promote family wellbeing and personal happiness. People with no family communication may need assistance.

ObjectiveEffective and brief positive parenting interventions could be adopted widely, but evidence is limited. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a positive parenting programme in Hong Kong Chinese parents.MethodsWe conducted a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial in 2017 in 144 Hong Kong Chinese parents (84.7% women, mean age 42.5 [SD 5.87] years) of school-age children (mean age 10.9 [2.8] years) in 4 family service centres (clusters). The intervention included two 2-hour interactive talks (4 hours in total). The contents covered skills of giving praise, showing appreciation and playing enjoyable family games. The control group was offered the intervention after all the data were collected. Praise, appreciation and enjoyment related behaviours were measured as primary outcomes at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. The secondary outcomes were subjective happiness, wellbeing, personal health and happiness, family health, family happiness and harmony, and family relationship. After the completion of all assessments, five focus group discussions with the parents and four individual in-depth interviews with community service providers were conducted to explore their experiences.ResultsCompared with the control group (n = 69), the intervention group (n = 75) showed greater positive changes in appreciation and enjoyment at 3 months with small effect sizes (d = 0.42 and 0.32, respectively), and greater improvements in the secondary outcomes at 3 months with small effect sizes (d: 0.29-0.48). In the focus groups, the parents reported more praise to their children, better temper control, more focus on their children's strengths and better family relationships. According to the service providers, most of the parents enjoyed the activities.ConclusionsThe brief intervention in community settings with the engagement of community service providers has shown preliminary effectiveness in promoting positive parenting and mental wellbeing of Hong Kong Chinese parents.Trial registrationThe authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention are registered. The study reported in this manuscript is registered as clinical trial at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03282071. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03282071.

Background: Delaying doctor consultation is harmful. Fear of COVID-19 leads to delays in seeking medical care at a time when pandemic information overflows. However, little is known about the role of COVID-19 related fear, attention to information, and fact-checking in such delay.Objective: Under the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, we examined the associations of delay in doctor consultation amidst the pandemic with sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 related fear, attention to information, and fact-checking.Methods: We conducted a population-based online cross-sectional survey in May 2020 on Hong Kong Chinese adults. Respondents reported whether the pandemic caused any delay in doctor consultation (yes/no), level of COVID-19 related fear, attention to information and fact-checking (all on a scale of 0 to 10 and recoded into tertiles of low, moderate, high). Regression analyses were used to examine the associations of delay and fear with sociodemographic characteristics, attention and fact-checking, adjusting for covariates. Data were weighted by sex, age and education level of the population.Results: Of 4,551 respondents (46.5% male, 59.7% aged over 45 years), 10.1% reported delay in doctor consultation. The mean score was 6.4 for fear, 8.0 for attention and 7.4 for fact-checking. Delay was more common in males and increased with age and fear. High vs. low level of fear was associated with delay [adjusted odd ratios (AOR) 2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08, 3.47]. Moderate level of fact-checking was negatively associated with delay (AOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56, 0.92). Females reported greater fear and fear decreased with age. Fear increased with attention to information and decreased with fact-checking. Fear substantially mediated the association of delay with attention (96%) and fact-checking (30%).Conclusions: We have first shown that delay in doctor consultation increased with fear of COVID-19 and decreased with fact-checking amidst the pandemic. Fear also increased with attention to COVID-19 related information and decreased with fact-checking. Understanding these associations can help policymakers develop targeted communication and support to the public to reduce delayed doctor consultations and the associated COVID-19-related or unrelated morbidity and mortality in the community.

Abstract Background Monetary incentive is often used to increase response rate in smokers’ survey, but such effect of prepaid and promised incentives in a follow-up survey is unknown. We compared the effect of different incentive schemes on the consent and retention rates in a follow-up survey of adult cigarette smokers. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Hong Kong, China. Smokers who completed a non-incentivized baseline telephone smoking survey were invited to a 3-month follow-up, with randomization into (1) the control group (no incentive), (2) a promised HK$100 (US$12.8) incentive upon completion, (3) a promised HK$200 (US$25.6) incentive upon completion, or (4) a prepaid HK$100 incentive plus another promised HK$100 incentive (“mixed incentive”). Crude risk ratios from log-binomial regression models were used to assess if the 3 incentive schemes predicted higher rates of consent at baseline or retention at 3-month than no incentive. Results In total, 1246 smokers were enrolled. The overall consent and retention rates were 37.1 and 23.0%, respectively. Both rates generally increased with the incentive amount and offer of prepaid incentive. The mixed incentive scheme marginally increased the retention rate versus no incentive (26.8% vs 20.3%; risk ratio (RR) = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.00–1.76; P = 0.053), but not the consent rate (RR = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.93–1.38; P = 0.22). Among the consented participants, approximately 50% in the mixed incentive group received the mailed prepaid incentive, who achieved a higher retention rate than the group without incentives (82.8% vs 56.1%; RR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.21–1.80; P

Abstract Background Sedentary behaviors are prevalent in Chinese children, however, the studies on their trends and socioeconomic disparities are scarce. We examined the time trends of daily television (TV) viewing and video game playing and the associated socioeconomic factors in Chinese children in Hong Kong, the most developed and westernized city in China. Methods In a panel data study involving 538,300 primary four and 510,294 primary six students from 1999/2000 to 2008/09, data on socioeconomic status, sedentary behaviors (TV viewing and video game playing) and other lifestyle habits were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Trends in sedentary behaviors over time were assessed. Their socioeconomic disparities were examined by interactions in generalized estimating equations with the adjustment for weight status and extracurricular physical activities. Results The age and sex-standardized prevalence of ≥2 h daily TV viewing decreased from 51.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.1–51.8%) in 1999/2000 to 43.8% (95% CI 43.4–44.2%) in 2008/09 (P for trend

BackgroundCigarette smoking is associated with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) risk. Whether quitting reduces the risk is unclear. We investigated the associations of NPC with duration of and age at quitting in an endemic region.MethodsWe investigated the associations between NPC and quitting in a multicenter case-control study in Hong Kong with 676 newly diagnosed NPC cases and 1,285 hospital controls between 2014 and 2017, using a computer-assisted self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression yielded adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of NPC by quitting status, duration and age of quitting, combinations of duration and age of quitting, and quitting to smoking duration ratio, compared with current smoking.ResultsQuitting (AOR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.53–0.98) and never smoking (0.73, 0.56–0.95) were associated with lower NPC risk. NPC risk decreased with (i) longer quitting duration (p < 0.01), reaching significance after 11–20 (0.62, 0.39–0.99) and 21+ years (0.54, 0.31–0.92) of quitting; (ii) younger quitting age (p = 0.01), reaching significance for quitting at

Background: Problematic smartphone use (PSU) has been associated with screen time in general, but little is known about the effect of different screen-based activities. We examined the associations of self-reported time spent on overall and specific screen-based activities with PSU and its addictive symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese adults.Methods: We analyzed data from 562 smartphone owners (56.5% female; 82.1% aged 25–64 years) in a population-based telephone survey in 2017. PSU was measured using Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (range 10–60) which includes symptoms of daily-life disturbance, withdrawal, cyberspace-oriented relationship, overuse, and tolerance. Screen time was self-reported as average hours per day spent on the internet, online book/newspaper/magazine, online video, and social networking sites (SNS). Multivariable linear regression analyzed the associations of self-reported screen time with PSU severity and symptoms. Interaction effects of sex, age group, educational attainment, and monthly household income were examined.Results: Self-reported time spent on overall screen-based activities was associated with PSU severity (β = 1.35, 95% CI 0.15, 2.55) and withdrawal and overuse symptoms, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related variables. Independent association was observed for self-reported SNS time with PSU severity (β = 1.42, 95% CI 0.35, 2.49) and symptoms of withdrawal and cyberspace-oriented relationship, after mutually adjusting for time on other activities. The strongest association between self-reported SNS time and PSU severity was observed in younger than older adults (β = 4.36, 95% CI 2.58, 6.13; P for interaction = 0.004).Conclusions: The independent association of self-reported SNS time with PSU and core addictive symptoms highlighted the addiction potential of SNS use, particularly in younger users.

BackgroundInequalities in health information seeking behaviors (HISBs) using mass media and internet websites (web 1.0) are well documented. Little is known about web 2.0 such as social networking sites (SNS) and instant messaging (IM) and experiences of HISBs.MethodsWe surveyed representative Hong Kong Chinese adults (N = 10143, 54.9% female; 72.3% aged 25-64 years) on frequency of HISBs using traditional sources, internet websites, SNS (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), and IM (e.g., WhatsApp, WeChat) and experiences measured using Information Seeking Experience Scale. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for HISBs and experiences by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were yielded using multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimators. aPRs for experiences by HISBs using internet websites, SNS, and IM adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were also yielded.ResultsBeing female, higher educational attainment, not smoking, and being physically active were associated with HISBs using any source (all PConclusionsWe identified correlates of web-based health information seeking and experiences in Hong Kong Chinese adults. Providing greater access to and improved information environment of web 2.0 to the target groups may help address digital inequalities.

Abstract We evaluated the reliability of early life nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) aetiology factors in the questionnaire of an NPC case-control study in Hong Kong during 2014–2017. 140 subjects aged 18+ completed the same computer-assisted questionnaire twice, separated by at least 2 weeks. The questionnaire included most known NPC aetiology factors and the present analysis focused on early life exposure. Test-retest reliability of all the 285 questionnaire items was assessed in all subjects and in 5 subgroups defined by cases/controls, sex, time between 1st and 2nd questionnaire (2–29/≥30 weeks), education (secondary or less/postsecondary), and age (25–44/45–59/60+ years) at the first questionnaire. The reliability of items on dietary habits, body figure, skin tone and sun exposure in early life periods (age 6–12 and 13–18) was moderate-to-almost perfect, and most other items had fair-to-substantial reliability in all life periods (age 6–12, 13–18 and 19–30, and 10 years ago). Differences in reliability by strata of the 5 subgroups were only observed in a few items. This study is the first to report the reliability of an NPC questionnaire, and make the questionnaire available online. Overall, our questionnaire had acceptable reliability, suggesting that previous NPC study results on the same risk factors would have similar reliability.

Introduction Positive perceptions of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) relative to combustible cigarettes (CCs) may erode support for endgame policies on CCs through smoking renormalization (increasing public acceptance of smoking). We investigated the associations between perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to CCs and support for endgame policies on CCs in Hong Kong. Methods Adult respondents (N=2004) were surveyed using landline random digit dialing in 2015. Perceived relative harm and relative addictiveness of e-cigarettes were combined as an overall perception of e-cigarettes relative to CCs with 5 levels and we analyzed individually ‘neutral/positive/mixed/unknown’ perceptions against the ‘negative’ perception. Five individual items with dichotomous responses assessed the support for endgame policies on CCs. Support for banning the sale/use of CCs (yes/no) was also assessed. Multivariable regressions yielded adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of supporting endgame policies (individual policy items, all 5 policy items, at least 1 policy item, banning the sale/use of CCs) in relation to perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to CCs, adjusting for age, education attainment, marital status, CC smoking status and ever e-cigarette use. Results Support for individual endgame policy items (from 51.8% to 80.0%), banning the sale (63.8%) and use (67.5%) of CCs were generally high. Few respondents perceived e-cigarettes as more harmful (16.6%) or more addictive (9.3%) than CCs. Positive perceptions of e-cigarettes (24.0%) were associated with less support for ‘ban CC sales in 10 years if there is a product providing nicotine not made from tobacco’ (AOR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.40–0.97), ‘ban CC use when it’s prevalence falls below 5%’ (AOR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.44–0.98) and ‘banning the sale of CCs’ (AOR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.42–0.94). Conclusions Positive perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to CCs were associated with less support for endgame policies on CCs in Hong Kong. Public health actions are needed to disseminate evidence-based knowledge of e-cigarettes.

Background: The much higher incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in men suggests sex hormones as a risk factor, and dairy products contain measurable amounts of steroid hormones. Milk consumption has greatly increased in endemic regions of NPC. We investigated the association between NPC and milk consumption across life periods in Hong Kong.Methods: A multicentre case-control study included 815 histologically confirmed NPC incident cases and 1,502 controls who were frequency-matched on age and sex at five major hospitals in Hong Kong in 2014–2017. Odds ratios (ORs) of NPC (cases vs. controls) for milk consumption at different life periods were estimated by unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, socioeconomic status score, smoking and alcohol drinking status, exposure to occupational hazards, family history of cancer, IgA against Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen, and total energy intake.Results: Compared with abstainers, lower risks of NPC were consistently observed in regular users (consuming ≥5 glasses of milk [fresh and powdered combined] per month) across four life periods of age 6–12 (adjusted OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.54–0.86), 13–18 (0.68, 0.55–0.84), 19–30 (0.68, 0.55–0.84), and 10 years before recruitment (0.72, 0.59–0.87). Long-term average milk consumption of ≤2.5, >2.5, and ≤12.5, >12.5 glasses per month yielded adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.00 (0.80–1.26), 0.98 (0.81–1.18), 0.95 (0.76–1.18), and 0.55 (0.43–0.70), respectively (all P-values for trend < 0.05).Conclusion: Consumption of milk across life periods was associated with lower risks of NPC. If confirmed to be causal, this has important implications for dairy product consumption and prevention of NPC.

Introduction Never smokers’ responses to tobacco control policy are often overshadowed by the opposition from smokers and tobacco industry during policy advocacy and legislation. Very few studies have examined never smokers’ exposure to point-of-sale (POS) tobacco displays and their effects. Therefore, we investigated the exposure, pro-smoking responses due to and attitudes towards such displays in never smokers in Hong Kong. Methods We conducted two-stage, randomized cross-sectional telephone-based surveys in 2015 and 2016 of 1833 never-smoking adults. They were asked how often they noticed POS displays in the past 30 days (often, sometimes, never), whether they found POS displays attractive, felt encouraged to smoke, perceived POS displays as advertisements, and if they supported banning them. The distributions of the outcomes were analyzed by descriptive statistics with weighting to the general population. Risk ratios (RR) from Poisson regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics were used to analyze the associations. Results Our results showed that, in never smokers, the younger were more likely to often notice POS displays (RR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.72–0.89, p

Abstract Background Little is known about electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among Chinese adolescents. We examined the prevalence of current (past 30-day) e-cigarette use and its associated factors in a large sample of adolescents in Hong Kong. Methods We analyzed data of the School-based Survey on Smoking among Students 2012/13 from a representative sample of 45,857 secondary school students (mean age: 14.8 ± 1.9). We conducted chi-square tests and t-test to compare current e-cigarette use by covariates. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between current e-cigarette use and demographic variables, parental smoking, peer smoking, knowledge about the harm of cigarette smoking, attitudes toward cigarette smoking, cigarette smoking status, use of other tobacco products, and alcohol consumption. Results Overall, 1.1 % of students reported current e-cigarette use. Of e-cigarette users, 11.7 % were never-cigarette smokers, 15.8 % were experimental cigarette smokers, 39.3 % were former cigarette smokers, and 33.2 % were current cigarette smokers. Current e-cigarette use was associated with male sex, poor knowledge about the harm of smoking, cigarette smoking, use of other tobacco products, and alcohol consumption. Conclusions Surveillance and intervention efforts should address a wide range of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Tobacco cessation programs should also address alcohol use collectively. Policies prohibiting e-cigarette sales to minors may help prevent e-cigarette uptake among adolescents.

Background and challenges to implementation Many smoking cessation clinics are passive and dependent on motivated smokers to proactively seek help. Also, smoking cessation clinics are not well publicized. Most healthcare professionals are unaware of the existing smoking cessation services, and rarely refer smokers to these clinics. Many smokers who want to quit do not proactively visit these clinics or call the quitline. Most if not all these clinics and services are not receiving the expected number of smokers and some are dormant or closed down quietly. Intervention or response This project, commissioned by the Hong Kong Tobacco Control Office, was to develop and publish an evaluation tool (E-tool, version 1.1) for smoking cessation clinics and services. The project team gathered documentations and data from smoking cessation clinics in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Beijing. Stakeholders discussed and agreed on what would be the most appropriate items for the E-tool. The E-tool draft was pilot-tested by 27 smoking cessation clinics and hospitals in Hong Kong, China Mainland and Southeast Asian countries (from the WHO Fellowship Programme on Tobacco Control, organized by Hong Kong Tobacco Control Office). Results and lessons learnt The finalized E-tool (version 1.1) consists of 33 most basic and essential items in 4 assessment components: Organization assessment (17 points), Environmental assessment (14 points), Process assessment (28 points) and Outcome assessment (11 points). The E-tool and user manual have English, traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese versions. All materials can be freely accessed in https://mrct.sph.hku.hk/web/. Conclusions and key recommendations The E-tool for smoking cessation clinics and services can be used to evaluate the quality and outcomes of existing clinics and services, and provide an outcome-oriented guidance for setting up new clinics and services. We invite all kinds of smoking cessation clinics and services in any territories to use this E-tool, and to provide feedback for the development of more advanced E-tools in the future.

Background Secondhand smoke (SHS) contributes to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide including Hong Kong, a densely-populated city with the lowest daily smoking prevalence (10.5%) in the developed world. Most Hong Kong citizens reside in multiunit housing where SHS can transmit from one unit to another because of the shared ventilation system and crowded living environment. We explored the prevalence of SHS infiltration and its sociodemographic correlates in the Hong Kong general population. Methods A cross-sectional sample of 5151 randomly selected Hong Kong residents aged 15+ were interviewed by telephone (response rate = 85.8%) for the Hong Kong Tobacco Control Policy-related Survey in 2016. Participants reported the number of days experiencing SHS infiltration from neighbour at home in the past 7 days, and their sociodemographic characteristics and smoking status. Data were weighted by the Hong Kong official data on age, gender and smoking status distributions. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression examined the associations of home SHS infiltration with sociodemographic and smoking status. Results Overall, the prevalence (95% CI) of ever and daily SHS infiltration at home in the past 7 days were 22.2% (20.3 to 24.2%) and 5.8% (4.8 to 7.1%) respectively. SHS infiltration was individually associated with female (P = 0.002), younger age (P < 0.001) and never smoking status (P < 0.001) but not with indices of socioeconomic status including highest education level (P = 0.07), family income (P = 0.43), employment (0.89) or immigrant (P = 0.09) statuses. Multivariable regression analyses showed that current smokers were less likely to report home SHS infiltration (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.32-0.58). Conclusions In Hong Kong, the prevalence of home SHS infiltration was very high given the low prevalence of smoking and did not vary with socioeconomic status. Implementation of smoke-free policy in multiunit housing is imperative to safeguard its residents from passive smoking.

Background Proportional mortality studies using reliable death registration and smoking data can be used to assess the effects of smoking and quitting. Deaths from smoking-induced causes are treated as cases, but the selection of other causes to define controls differs. We conducted a proportional mortality study on smoking and lung cancer using four definitions of controls. Methods We included 81% of all deaths aged 30+ years in 1998 in Hong Kong. Cases were lung cancer deaths (N=2909). We defined controls as deaths from non-smoking related causes according to i) Liu (Mainland) 1998 (n 1 =4898), ii) Alam (India) 2013 (n 2 =2944), iii) Sitas (South Africa) 2013 (n 3 =6076) and iv) US Surgeon General´s Report 2014 (USSG) (n 4 =4365). Logistic regression yielded AORs of lung cancer, adjusting for sex and age at death. Results In middle age (35-64 years), AOR (95% CI) for lung cancer was 2.79 (1.58-4.92) in ex-smokers (5+ years) and 2.65 (1.87-3.78) in current smokers (p trend : 0.26) using controls based on Liu. The corresponding AORs were 1.87 (1.00-3.56) and 2.37 (1.58-3.58) (p trend : 0.009) for Alam, 2.40 (1.42-4.04) and 4.31 (3.00-6.24) (p trend : < 0.0001) for Sitas, and 1.99 (1.14-3.46) and 3.39 (2.31-5.01) (p trend : < 0.0001) for USSG. In old age (65-84), the corresponding figures for Liu, Alam, Sitas and USSG were 3.31 (2.54-4.34), 5.51 (4.26-7.17), 3.27 (2.44-4.41) and 5.40 (4.04-7.24) in ex-smokers, and 3.39 (2.63-4.37), 5.38 (4.23-6.87), 3.19 (2.44-4.18) and 5.35 (4.12-6.97) in current smokers (all p trend : < 0.0001). Conclusions The effect size of smoking on lung cancer using different controls was similar in old age but varied in middle age. Benefits of quitting were observed in all except Liu's controls. For proportional mortality studies, the choice of the most appropriate causes of deaths to define controls needs to be cautious, as the effects or lack of effects of smoking on different diseases vary in different populations.

Background Point-of-sale (POS) tobacco displays can promote smoking and purchase of tobacco in current and former smokers, but no studies have examined such effect in never smoking adults. We investigated the correlates of frequent exposure to, and responses and attitudes towards POS tobacco displays in never smokers in Hong Kong, China. Methods We included 1,833 never smokers aged 15+ years from two random telephone surveys in 2015 (n=932) and 2016 (n=901). All respondents reported how often they noticed POS tobacco displays in the past 30 days (often, sometimes, not noticing), whether they perceived displays as attractive, felt encouraged to smoke by them, perceived them as advertisements, and supported the banning displays. Risk ratio (RR) adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics was used to examine factors associated with often noticing the display and other responses. Results Young adults aged 15-29 years (vs 60+) were more likely to report often noticing POS displays (RR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.47-3.91). Those with primary education or below (vs tertiary) reported less often noticing (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.73), but more perceiving displays as attractive (RR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.51-4.22). Often noticing displays (vs not noticing) was associated with perceiving them as attractive (RR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.32-2.75), and being encouraged to smoke (RR = 4.05, 95% CI 0.98-16.85). Sometimes (RR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.997) or often noticing (RR=0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.97) displays were associated with lower support for banning displays. Conclusions In never smokers, younger adults were more exposed to POS tobacco displays and those with low education level were more attracted by them. Frequent exposure could induce never smokers to smoke, and reduce their support for banning displays. To eliminate the advertising and normalization of POS tobacco displays in the retail environment, the ban on tobacco advertisements should include those displays simultaneously.