Daily life activities of young adults with obesity living in highly accessible and compact urban environments in Seoul, South Korea: a spatiotemporal qualitative study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Amid the growing global concern about obesity, young adults in South Korea are particularly affected, with 30.8% of people aged 19-34 classified as obese. Given the urban-centric lifestyle of Korean youth, understanding the relationship between daily life activities and the urban environment holds great promise for effective interventions. This study aims to explore the daily life activities of young adults with obesity in Seoul, a city known for its highly accessible and compact environment. The research questions explore the interaction between daily life activities and the neighbourhood environment and consider weight management in an urban context. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study uses an extended qualitative geographic information system approach to explore a district in Seoul with a highly accessible and compact urban environment. The sample comprises young adults with obesity (aged 19-34) residing in the study area, with recruitment targeting up to 51 participants for data saturation. A qualitative, multimethod approach combines descriptive and spatiotemporal data collection. Descriptive data are being collected, including in-depth interviews and photographs of daily food consumption. Spatial data collection involves field observations, cognitive mapping and mobile Global Positioning System tracking. Temporal data is gathered through participants drawing round timetables, detailing their daily schedules. Data analysis will entail thematic analysis of the interview data and content analysis of the spatiotemporal data. For the integrated analysis, pattern finding will be used to synthesise the data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the institutional review board of Seoul National University on 11 July 2022. Data collection and curation are currently underway, and the results of the analysis will be shared with the scientific community at international conferences and peer-reviewed journals. We are planning an open seminar to share our research findings with relevant policy-makers, community organisations and health professionals.

Effectiveness of a media literacy-based smoking prevention program in female adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of a media literacy-based smoking prevention program based on Ajzen's theory of planned behavior in female adolescents. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with female high school students aged 16-17 years in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The program provided eight sessions over 4 weeks. Quantitative data were collected before and after online surveys in an intervention (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups, and analyzed using mixed analysis of variance. Qualitative data on participation experiences was collected by requesting the participants to answer open-ended questions once a week during the intervention and performing co-occurrence analysis of specific terms in the responses was conducted through text mining. RESULTS: Although the program decreased smoking intention and increased smoking media literacy in the intervention group, there were no significant differences between the groups. Qualitative results obtained from the intervention group showed cognitive and behavioral changes in the perception of the harmfulness of e-cigarettes in the media and the expression of a willingness to overcome the temptation to smoke. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the enhancement of smoking media literacy, specifically by correcting misconceptions regarding e-cigarettes promoted by the new media, contributes smoking prevention in female adolescents. It supports calls for an expanded role of public health professionals in health education at the school level.

Neighbourhood environments for a healthy lifestyle among young single-person households experiencing housing poverty in Seoul, South Korea: a spatiotemporal qualitative study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The number of single-person households is increasing globally-including in South Korea, where they account for over 30% of all households. Young single-person households in South Korea face health problems and housing challenges. Both the perceived and objective aspects of the neighbourhood environment, as a community asset, play a significant role in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. This study aims to explore and describe the meaning, roles and spatiotemporal characteristics of neighbourhood environments for a healthy lifestyle in young single-person households experiencing housing poverty in Seoul, South Korea. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This ongoing study uses an extended qualitative geographic information systems approach to explore a district in the city of Seoul that has the highest population density of young single-person households experiencing housing poverty. The study sample comprises young single-person households aged 19-39 years who are experiencing housing poverty in the study area, with an expected saturation point of approximately 55 participants. We employ online and offline recruitment strategies to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives and a multimethod approach that combines descriptive and spatiotemporal data collection techniques (eg, individual in-depth interviews, field observations and mobile global positioning system tracking). The data analysis encompasses thematic and content analyses to understand the neighbourhood environment's perceived attributes and the spatiotemporal characteristics of healthy lifestyles. In the integrated analysis, we plan to combine the qualitative findings with living space and daily-life patterns using qualitative software and a hybrid relational database. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University approved the research protocol on 18 May 2021. The findings will be shared at international conferences and published in academic journals. Additionally, an online seminar will be conducted to share the results with policy-makers, researchers, community organisations and health workers working with young single-person households experiencing housing poverty.

Asia-Pacific Perspectives on the Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Optimizing Diabetes Management.

Diabetes is prevalent, and it imposes a substantial public health burden globally and in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The cornerstone for optimizing diabetes management and treatment outcomes is glucose monitoring, the techniques of which have evolved from self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Contextual differences with Western populations and limited regionally generated clinical evidence warrant regional standards of diabetes care, including glucose monitoring in APAC. Hence, the APAC Diabetes Care Advisory Board convened to gather insights into clinician-reported CGM utilization for optimized glucose monitoring and diabetes management in the region. We discuss the findings from a pre-meeting survey and an expert panel meeting regarding glucose monitoring patterns and influencing factors, patient profiles for CGM initiation and continuation, CGM benefits, and CGM optimization challenges and potential solutions in APAC. While CGM is becoming the new standard of care and a useful adjunct to HbA1c and SMBG globally, glucose monitoring type, timing, and frequency should be individualized according to local and patient-specific contexts. The results of this APAC survey guide methods for the formulation of future APAC-specific consensus guidelines for the application of CGM in people living with diabetes.

Asia-Pacific consensus recommendations for application of continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes management.

Glucose monitoring has evolved from self-monitoring of blood glucose to glycated hemoglobin, and the latest continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). A key challenge to adoption of CGM for management of diabetes in Asia is the lack of regional CGM recommendations. Hence, thirteen diabetes-specialists from eight Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries/regions convened to formulate evidence-based, APAC-specific CGM recommendations for individuals with diabetes. We defined CGM metrics/targets and developed 13 guiding-statements on use of CGM in: (1) people with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy, and (2) people with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin with/without glucose lowering drugs. Continual use of CGM is recommended in individuals with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy and suboptimal glycemic control, or at high risk of problematic hypoglycemia. Continual/intermittent CGM may also be considered in individuals with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin regimen and with suboptimal glycemic control. In this paper, we provided guidance for optimizing CGM in special populations/situations, including elderly, pregnancy, Ramadan-fasting, newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, and comorbid renal disease. Statements on remote CGM, and stepwise interpretation of CGM data were also developed. Two Delphi surveys were conducted to rate the agreement on statements. The current APAC-specific CGM recommendations provide useful guidance for optimizing use of CGM in the region.

Production of single-component cellulose-based hydrogel and its utilization as adsorbent for aqueous contaminants.

The growing concern for the environment has resulted in renewed interest in bio-based resources. This study aims to produce a hydrogel adsorbent from cellulose and examine its adsorption performance. In pursuit of this goal, we report a simple one-pot synthesis of cellulose acetate sulfate (CAS), followed by the formation of CAS hydrogels and their subsequent adsorption performances. The CAS includes both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups, enable the formation of a single-component hydrogel through intermolecular interactions in deionized water. The thermal reversibility of CAS hydrogels makes them easily processable into various shapes. The durability of the CAS hydrogel adsorbents can be improved by introducing divalent cations (e.g., Ca2+), which create ionically crosslinked hydrogels. The ionically a crosslinked CAS hydrogel adsorbent exhibits a maximum adsorption capacity of 245 mg/g for methylene blue (MB) at 23 °C and a pH of 7. The adsorption behavior of MB on the CAS hydrogel follows both the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Furthermore, the CAS hydrogel adsorbent maintains a 70 % removal ratio after five cycles. The simplicity of synthesis and hydrogel formation opens up new possibilities for producing and utilizing cellulose-based hydrogels as adsorbents for aqueous contaminants.

A scoping review of qualitative geographic information systems in studies addressing health issues.

Qualitative Geographic Information Systems (QGIS) represent an emerging geospatial and qualitative approach to comprehensively understand health issues. This scoping review gathers evidence from 38 articles to illuminate when and how QGIS is used to address health issues. QGIS can contribute to recent health-related studies focusing on determinants of health and health equity at the community rather than individual level, highlight relationships between place and health, and encourage participation from people and communities in health-decision making. If more studies attempt to specify detailed data analysis methods and develop ways to use rich contexts of qualitative data, QGIS can provide greater scope for those working to solve health problems.

Environment-Stratified Age-Period-Cohort Effects on the Prevalence of Walking Among Older Adults.

Walking promotes active aging; however, walking prevalence changes among older adults by age and environmental conditions remain unclear. Age-period-cohort (APC) differences in walking trends among Korean older adults were examined. Data included adults aged ≥ 65 years (n = 592,235) from the nationally representative Korean Community Health Survey. Regional units examined were metropolitan cities, small- and medium-sized cities, and rural areas. Environment-stratified APC modeling was applied for walking prevalence (walking days/time during the past week). From 2008 to 2017, the walking prevalence gap between regional units widened. Decreasing trends were most apparent in rural areas, including by birth year. In all areas, walking decreased with increased age. No distinct period effects were found. Each effect's magnitude was larger in rural areas than cities. Differential APC effects by environmental conditions likely influence walking prevalence changes among older adults. Walking promotion for older adults should consider APC effects and environmental conditions.

Experiences of the First Year Implementation of a Nationwide School-Based Smoking Prevention Program in Korea.

Encouraged by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Korea has implemented a nationwide School-based Smoking Prevention Program (SSPP) to reduce the prevalence of youth smoking. This qualitative study explored the school contexts of launching the SSPP in Seoul, Korea. Five focus groups were studied with 29 lead teachers in charge of the SSPP. Thematic analysis reveals three key findings. First, while infrastructure was insufficiently prepared due to the abrupt implementation, lead teachers agreed on the purpose of the SSPP. However, they perceived the program as myopic in only targeting smoking students and spending the mandatory budgets as a burdensome task. Second, the SSPP increased experience-based activities, influenced smoking family members, and created a smoke-free school environment. Third, to ensure more effective implementation, school principals should support inducing staff engagement. The teachers also maintained that the SSPP must be institutionalized as part of regular curricula with standardized books. For a more meaningful impact, the SSPP needs instructors and counselors to support smoking cessation programs that reflect school contexts. The teachers urged tobacco prevention measures at community, policy, and society levels. This study provides insights into a nationwide approach to initiating school-based smoking prevention program to achieve a tobacco-free generation.

Perceived Health Problems of Young Single-Person Households in Housing Poverty Living in Seoul, South Korea: A Qualitative Study.

There is an increased prevalence of housing poverty among urban young adults; however, research on housing poverty and health is lacking. This study examined the effects of housing poverty on the health concepts of young people living alone. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 single-person households, with individuals aged 19-39 years, living in Seoul, the demographic group with the highest housing poverty rate in South Korea. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Based on the health concepts of the respondents, housing poverty negatively affected health in terms of "the occurrence and continuation of anxiety," "the increase and continuation of lethargy," "the difficulty in managing daily life and taking care of health," "the lack of a dependable support person," and "the difficulty in preventing and treating disease." The majority of young people experienced difficulties responding to their situations, and their housing poverty was hard to overcome. This study suggests the need to expand healthy housing policies, strengthen housing safety nets, and enhance access to public resources needed for a healthy living.

Changes in Urban Walking Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Metropolitan City of South Korea.

This study aimed to assess how social distancing measures impacted the choice of walking as a transportation mode, environmental preferences for walking, and walking practice among urban residents in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. Data was collected through an online survey from September 21 to 28, 2020, when the second level of social distancing measures was implemented; 2,112 participants aged 19 years or older were included in the analysis. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the choice of walking as a means of transportation increased by 10.1 percent points, while that of public transportation decreased by 16.9 percent points. Environmental preferences for walking were more than moderate in neighborhood public open spaces, neighborhood streets, and riverside trails. Despite the increased choice of walking as a means of transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic, walking practices by purpose decreased significantly. In particular, the decrease in walking practice was more pronounced in utilitarian purpose than in leisure purpose. The present study suggests that social distancing measures have an overall effect on environmental preferences, travel attitudes, and behaviors related walking among urban residents in the metropolitan city. To break the physical inactivity habits established during the pandemic, guidelines for promoting walking should be developed, with a focus on increasing the frequency of walking practice. In the post-COVID-19 era, urban and transportation planning in metropolitan cities need to adjust their focus on the development of neighborhood assets related to walking as a health promotion strategy for the upcoming pandemic.

Effect of Voluntary Participation on Mobile Health Care in Diabetes Management: Randomized Controlled Open-Label Trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of mobile health care (mHealth) in glycemic control has been investigated, but its impact on self-management skills and its psychological aspects have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of mHealth-based diabetes self-management education and the effect of voluntary participation on its effects. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled open-label trial conducted for 6 months at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. Participants in the control group (n=31) maintained their previous diabetes management strategies. Participants in the intervention group (n=41) additionally received mHealth-based diabetes self-management education through a mobile app and regular individualized feedback from health care professionals. The primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level over 6 months between the 2 groups (intervention versus control) and within each group (at 6 months versus baseline). The secondary outcomes were changes in body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profile, and questionnaire scores (the Korean version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, an Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life, the Appraisal of Diabetes Scale, and Problem Areas in Diabetes) over 6 months between groups and within each group. RESULTS: A total of 66 participants completed this study. HbA1c (P=.04), total cholesterol level (P=.04), and Problem Areas in Diabetes scores (P=.02) significantly decreased; total diet (P=.03) and self-monitoring of blood glucose level scores (P=.01), based on the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, markedly increased within the intervention group. These significant changes were observed in self-motivated participants who were recruited voluntarily via advertisements. CONCLUSIONS: mHealth-based diabetes self-management education was effective at improving glycemic control and diabetes self-management skills and lowering diabetes-related distress in voluntary participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03468283; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03468283.

The effect of distance between holes on the structural stability of subchondral bone in microfracture surgery: a finite element model study.

BACKGROUND: Microfracture is a surgical technique that involves creating multiple holes of 3-4 mm depth in the subchondral bone to recruit stem cells in the bone marrow to the lesion, inducing fibrocartilage repair and knee cartilage regeneration. Recently, it has been reported that increasing the exposed area of the lower cartilaginous bone (drilling a lot of holes) increases the outflow of stem cells, which is expected to affect the physical properties of the subchondral bone when the exposed area is large. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of the distance between the holes in the microfracture procedure on the structural stability of the osteochondral bone using a finite element method. METHODS: In this study, lateral aspects of the femoral knee, which were removed during total knee arthroplasty were photographed using microtomography. The model was implemented using a solitary walks program, which is a three-dimensional simplified geometric representation based on the basic microtomography data. A microfracture model was created by drilling 4 mm-deep holes at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, and 5 mm intervals in a simplified three-dimensional (3D) geometric femoral model. The structural stability of these models was analysed with the ABAQUS program. We compared the finite element model (FEM) based on the microtomography image and the simplified geometric finite element model. RESULTS: Von Mises stress of the subchondral bone plate barely increased, even when the distance between holes was set to 1 mm. Altering the distance between the holes had little impact on the structural stability of the subchondral bone plate. Safety factors were all below 1. CONCLUSIONS: Although we did not confirm an optimal distance between holes, this study does provide reference data and an epidemiological basis for determining the optimal distance between the holes used in the microfracture procedure.

Gender-differences in predictors for time to metabolic syndrome resolution: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial study.

Understanding gender differences in health-related behaviors and their impacts is a crucial aspect of effective primary care. We studied gender-based differences in predictors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) resolution among newly diagnosed MetS patients. This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective clinical trial study comprising of 637 middle-aged and older adults (226 men and 411 women) who underwent a regular health checkup and were newly diagnosed with MetS at 16 different health clinics of 14 metropolitan cities and provinces. We conducted Cox proportional hazard analysis to estimate cumulative probability of MetS resolution within a 12-month observation period. Among the 637 patients, 47.6% of participants achieved MetS resolution. The resolution rate was similar among men and women (44.7% and 49.1%, respectively, P = 0.320). Low household income (Hazard ratio = 2.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-6.08) and current employment (2.29, 1.26-4.13) were associated with a higher cumulative probability of MetS resolution in men than in women. For women, however, longer sleeping hours (1.18, 1.04-1.34) and living with a partner (1.58, 1.06-2.35) were positive predictors of MetS resolution. Being overweight (0.63, 0.44-0.89) was associated with lower cumulative probability of MetS resolution in women than in men. The factors associated with cumulative probability of MetS resolution within the 12-month follow-up were different between men and women. These findings facilitate further exploration on gender-based differences in risk factors for less optimal improvements in MetS.

School-Based Tobacco Control and Smoking in Adolescents: Evidence from Multilevel Analyses.

Since 2015, universal comprehensive school-based tobacco control programs have been provided in all primary and secondary schools in Korea. This study explored the association of school-level tobacco control with adolescent smoking, and the interactions to investigate whether gender moderates the impact of school tobacco control programs and school-level norms. Both school- and individual-level data were drawn from the 2015 School-Based Tobacco Prevention Program Survey. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed using data from 4631 students (ages 10-18 years) who were nested in 62 secondary schools in Seoul, Korea. Students who participated in more prevention programs were less likely to smoke (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.30-0.74). The effect of the programs was significantly moderated by gender. For boys, exposure to a greater number of programs decreased the risk of smoking (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.18-0.57) but not for girls. At the school level, the school norm regarding tobacco control regulations was negatively associated with smoking (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.76), and its effect was significant for girls only (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17-0.76). This study highlights how the school environment is associated with adolescent smoking behavior, and the effects of programs and norms are different by gender. The findings suggest the need to develop strategies to enhance school-based tobacco control programs and the school norm considering gender differences.

Attributes of Perceived Bikeability in a Compact Urban Neighborhood Based on Qualitative Multi-Methods.

Cycling provides opportunities to promote healthy and sustainable cities. However, few studies examine cyclists' perceived attributes of a bicycle-friendly environment in relation to compact urban contexts. This study explored the attributes of perceived bikeability and urban context related to the cycling experience in Seoul, Korea. Purposive sampling with public recruitment and a snowball technique was used to recruit twenty-two cyclists and three bicycle-related community service providers from a bikeable environment. Qualitative multi-methods, including semi-structured interviews and bicycle tours with a GPS device, were adopted. The main themes of perceived bikeability were derived through thematic analysis. Cyclists perceived the attributes of a bicycle-friendly physical environment as essential components of bikeability. In urban environments where cycling is not yet recognized as the main transportation mode, internal conflict among cyclists and external conflicts between cyclists and other transportation users were evident. A supportive community system included developing an appropriate environment, providing information, and expanding riding opportunities. A bicycle-friendly culture accumulated over a long period influenced the initiation and maintenance of cycling and contributed to a more bikeable community environment. Cyclists' attitude, behaviors, and perceived environment differed according to purpose. Policy, system, and environmental changes are required to promote cycling in compact urban contexts.

How Does the Built Environment in Compact Metropolitan Cities Affect Health? A Systematic Review of Korean Studies.

This systematic review aimed to examine the associations between health-related outcomes and the built environment (BE) characteristics of compact metropolitan cities in Korea using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Searching the three Korean academic databases and PubMed, two independent reviewers identified 27 empirical articles published between 2011 and 2016. Data extracted for review included the study characteristics, the variables and measurement methods related to the BE and health-related outcomes, and the findings on the associations between the BE characteristics and health-related outcomes. Vote counting was used to assess the consistency of associations and the direction of associations between the BE characteristics and health-related outcomes. All of the reviewed studies used cross-sectional designs. The objective BE qualities were commonly examined. The BE characteristics associated with health-related outcomes in the reviewed articles included land use, street environment, transportation infrastructure, green and open spaces, and neighborhood facilities. Street environment, transportation infrastructure, and green and open spaces had consistent positive associations with physical health. Mixed land use and neighborhood facilities, however, had inconsistent associations with physical health. Generally, insufficient findings were reported in the association between the BE characteristics and mental and social health. The accessibility of the BE in a compact urban environment was the prominent attribute related to health promotion, health challenges, and health equity. An international comparative analysis of compact cities with different urban contexts and scale is required. Interdisciplinary urban health strategies are recommended based on the associations between the BE characteristics and health-related outcomes.

Highly stacked 3D organic integrated circuits with via-hole-less multilevel metal interconnects.

Multilevel metal interconnects are crucial for the development of large-scale organic integrated circuits. In particular, three-dimensional integrated circuits require a large number of vertical interconnects between layers. Here, we present a novel multilevel metal interconnect scheme that involves solvent-free patterning of insulator layers to form an interconnecting area that ensures a reliable electrical connection between two metals in different layers. Using a highly reliable interconnect method, the highest stacked organic transistors to date, a three-dimensional organic integrated circuits consisting of 5 transistors and 20 metal layers, is successfully fabricated in a solvent-free manner. All transistors exhibit outstanding device characteristics, including a high on/off current ratio of ~107, no hysteresis behavior, and excellent device-to-device uniformity. We also demonstrate two vertically-stacked complementary inverter circuits that use transistors on 4 different floors. All circuits show superb inverter characteristics with a 100% output voltage swing and gain up to 35 V per V.

The longitudinal effect of parental support during adolescence on the trajectory of sport participation from adolescence through young adulthood.

BACKGROUND: One efficient way to increase physical activity is through sport participation because participation in sport activities inherently includes many enjoyable aspects, such as social interaction, competition, personal challenge, and goal achievement. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effect of parental support during adolescence on the trajectory of sport participation from adolescence through young adulthood. METHODS: The data used in this study came from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). It is a 4-wave longitudinal study that followed up a nationally representative sample of middle and high school students in the US. A series of multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of parental support at Wave 1 on the trajectory of sport participation from Wave 1 to Wave 4. RESULTS: The effect of parental support during adolescence on participants' sport participation lasted until they become young adults (Wave 3) (p < 0.001). Among the male participants, parental support at Wave 1 was a significant predictor for sport participation at Waves 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.001). However, a significant effect of parental support at Wave 1 on sport participation in early young adulthood (Wave 3) becomes insignificant when adjusting for self-esteem and depression. Among the female participants, parental support at Wave 1 was a significant predictor for sport participation at Waves 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.01) even after depression and self-esteem were introduced into the model. That is to say, unlike male participants, parental support during adolescence has an independent effect on sport participation from adolescence (Wave 1) through early young adulthood (Wave 3) over and above the effects of depression and self-esteem in female participants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study contributed to the literature by providing important information on the longitudinal effect of parental support during adolescence on the trajectory of sport participation from adolescence through young adulthood using a nationally representative sample of participants transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood.

Association between stages of change for smoking cessation and electronic cigarette use among adult smokers: A nationwide cross-sectional study in Korea.

This study aimed to investigate whether smokers who are ready to quit are more likely to use electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) than those who are not. The association between the ever and current use of e-cigarettes with the stages of change (SOC) model was examined, which reflects the readiness to quit smoking. Current smokers were categorized based on the SOC (precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation). We investigated the associations between quit attempts, intention to quit, and stage of change with e-cigarette use in the general population and different age groups. We used data from the Korea Community Health Survey that was conducted nationwide in 2014, and 45,378 current smokers were included in the study. Adult smokers were more likely to use e-cigarettes simultaneously in the preparation and contemplation stages than in the precontemplation stage (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] of preparation stage: 2.88 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26-3.66; AOR of contemplation stage: 1.93 and 95% CI: 1.67-2.24). Ever use of e-cigarette was significantly associated with the contemplation stage in smokers younger than 50 years, while current e-cigarette use was greater in the contemplation stage than in the precontemplation stage at all ages. Both ever and current use of e-cigarettes were significantly related with the preparation stage among all age groups except 50-59 years. Because the use of e-cigarette among smokers may continually increase, public health guidance must be provided to different types of dual users. Previous studies on the association between e-cigarette use and the cognitive and behavioral aspects of smokers have conflicting results. This study highlights whether the use of e-cigarettes can be used as an indicator for the readiness to quit smoking. Thus, counselors can encourage smoking cessation and provide tailored interventions.