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PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025
PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025

The Sun

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • The Sun

PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025

HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - The world is facing the challenge of an ageing population, making the maintenance of health and quality of life for the elderly an urgent issue. As a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Service, the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), is hosting the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 from 29 – 30 May. The conference aims to promote healthy ageing efforts in the Western Pacific region and beyond, bringing together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, stated that the conference provides a platform for policymakers, the healthcare industry, academics, and stakeholders to jointly promote healthy ageing. He said, 'With PolyU's extensive experience in the education of healthcare professionals, we have submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong's third medical school, aiming to leverage the University's robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of medical doctors who are socially responsible and technologically proficient.' Ms Xinjie QI, Second Class Counsel (Deputy Director-General Level) of the Department of Ageing and Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, stated in her speech that China and the WHO have conducted a series of collaborations on integrated medical and elderly care, the establishment of age-friendly medical institutions, and the development of geriatric medicine, achieving positive results. She expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges with other countries and share innovative experiences. She also emphasised that advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy, and the National Health Commission will continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in areas such as healthy ageing. Dr Libby LEE, the Acting Secretary for Health of the Government of HKSAR, stated that the HKSAR Government is actively reforming the healthcare system, including enhancing the primary healthcare services. As outlined in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint released in December 2022, the Government's strategy adopts a prevention-focused, community-based approach. It aims at supporting and equipping people to lead a healthy life in the community, thereby improving the overall health status of the population. This conference serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange across healthcare disciplines, experience sharing, partnership building, as well as innovative solutions exploration. It definitely will contribute to the enhancement of the wellbeing of older persons in Hong Kong and beyond. Dr Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), reaffirmed that the conference offered an exceptional platform for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, and academics to come together and address the pressing trends and challenges related to population ageing in the region. He stated, 'PolyU's School of Nursing made significant efforts to facilitate a wide range of discussions, encompassing research and practical ideas, all with the aim of enhancing healthy ageing.' In 2019, WHO introduced the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, transitioning from a disease-centred approach to one that assesses the intrinsic capacities of older adults—encompassing both physical and mental abilities. This comprehensive, person-centred model is designed to identify early signs of decline in intrinsic capacity, enabling timely interventions to mitigate, halt, or reverse frailty and dependence in older individuals. Building on expert feedback and the latest research, WHO has recently launched ICOPE 2.0, featuring the following key enhancements: 1. Inclusion of Three Essential Factors in Ageing: In addition to evaluating six intrinsic capacities—cognition, mobility, nutrition, vision, hearing, and mental health—ICOPE 2.0 now incorporates 'urinary incontinence management', 'social care and support', 'carer support' and vaccination advocacy, thus providing a more accurate representation of older adults' health status and quality of life. 2. Introduction of Three Filter Questions: To streamline the assessment process for cognitive, hearing, and vision capabilities, a rapid screening system has been established. If an older adult responds 'yes' to any of these questions, they will be referred directly for a comprehensive evaluation. 3. Provision of Immediate Recommendations and Interventions: Following the completion of the ICOPE 2.0 assessment, the responsible assessor is equipped to offer tailored health advice and community support based on the individual needs of the older adult. Prof. Angela LEUNG, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, remarked, 'ICOPE 2.0 enhances the entire assessment and intervention process, facilitating the early identification of older adults in need of support and care. This approach helps to mitigate or slow the decline in quality of life associated with ageing. Additionally, the HKSAR Government has been actively reinforcing support for caregivers in recent years, which aligns seamlessly with the inclusion of caregiver elements in ICOPE 2.0. This underscores the importance of recognising that caring for older adults involves not only the individuals themselves but also the necessity of bolstering support for caregivers, as this is crucial for sustainable solutions.' To enhance the understanding of ICOPE 2.0 among healthcare professionals and stakeholders in elder care, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the conference. The video not only elucidates the ICOPE 2.0 framework but also demonstrates its application through real-life case studies. Additionally, the conference featured an ICOPE Community Practice Workshop which attracted experts from various countries to explore the updates in the new version, share insights, and discuss community application strategies. This initiative aims to benefit older adults globally and foster cross-regional knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Beyond promoting the implementation of ICOPE 2.0 in communities, the conference addressed a variety of topics related to healthy ageing, including policies on elderly health, technological innovations, and the latest developments in community care. Key areas of focus encompassed geriatric medicine, mental health, and smart ageing technologies, while also highlighting the latest research findings and practical examples of ageing studies from the Western Pacific region. Prof. Leung envisioned that the conference and resource-sharing initiatives will inspire more community organisations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to actively promote healthy ageing initiatives. The School of Nursing at PolyU will continue to uphold its leadership role as a WHO Collaborating Centre, driving the development and implementation of innovative solutions for elder health, thereby making a significant contribution to the global goal of achieving healthy ageing. Hashtag: #HealthyAgeingConference2025 #WorldHealthOrganization #WHO#HealthyAgeing #PolyU #SchoolofNursing #Elderly #ICOPE2.0 #WHOCollaboratingCentreforCommunityHealthServices The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing
PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing

The Sun

time7 days ago

  • Health
  • The Sun

PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing

HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - The world is facing the challenge of an ageing population, making the maintenance of health and quality of life for the elderly an urgent issue. As a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Service, the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), is hosting the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 from 29 – 30 May. The conference aims to promote healthy ageing efforts in the Western Pacific region and beyond, bringing together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, stated that the conference provides a platform for policymakers, the healthcare industry, academics, and stakeholders to jointly promote healthy ageing. He said, 'With PolyU's extensive experience in the education of healthcare professionals, we have submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong's third medical school, aiming to leverage the University's robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of medical doctors who are socially responsible and technologically proficient.' Ms Xinjie QI, Second Class Counsel (Deputy Director-General Level) of the Department of Ageing and Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, stated in her speech that China and the WHO have conducted a series of collaborations on integrated medical and elderly care, the establishment of age-friendly medical institutions, and the development of geriatric medicine, achieving positive results. She expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges with other countries and share innovative experiences. She also emphasised that advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy, and the National Health Commission will continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in areas such as healthy ageing. Dr Libby LEE, the Acting Secretary for Health of the Government of HKSAR, stated that the HKSAR Government is actively reforming the healthcare system, including enhancing the primary healthcare services. As outlined in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint released in December 2022, the Government's strategy adopts a prevention-focused, community-based approach. It aims at supporting and equipping people to lead a healthy life in the community, thereby improving the overall health status of the population. This conference serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange across healthcare disciplines, experience sharing, partnership building, as well as innovative solutions exploration. It definitely will contribute to the enhancement of the wellbeing of older persons in Hong Kong and beyond. Dr Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), reaffirmed that the conference offered an exceptional platform for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, and academics to come together and address the pressing trends and challenges related to population ageing in the region. He stated, 'PolyU's School of Nursing made significant efforts to facilitate a wide range of discussions, encompassing research and practical ideas, all with the aim of enhancing healthy ageing.' In 2019, WHO introduced the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, transitioning from a disease-centred approach to one that assesses the intrinsic capacities of older adults—encompassing both physical and mental abilities. This comprehensive, person-centred model is designed to identify early signs of decline in intrinsic capacity, enabling timely interventions to mitigate, halt, or reverse frailty and dependence in older individuals. Building on expert feedback and the latest research, WHO has recently launched ICOPE 2.0, featuring the following key enhancements: 1. Inclusion of Three Essential Factors in Ageing: In addition to evaluating six intrinsic capacities—cognition, mobility, nutrition, vision, hearing, and mental health—ICOPE 2.0 now incorporates 'urinary incontinence management', 'social care and support', 'carer support' and vaccination advocacy, thus providing a more accurate representation of older adults' health status and quality of life. 2. Introduction of Three Filter Questions: To streamline the assessment process for cognitive, hearing, and vision capabilities, a rapid screening system has been established. If an older adult responds 'yes' to any of these questions, they will be referred directly for a comprehensive evaluation. 3. Provision of Immediate Recommendations and Interventions: Following the completion of the ICOPE 2.0 assessment, the responsible assessor is equipped to offer tailored health advice and community support based on the individual needs of the older adult. Prof. Angela LEUNG, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, remarked, 'ICOPE 2.0 enhances the entire assessment and intervention process, facilitating the early identification of older adults in need of support and care. This approach helps to mitigate or slow the decline in quality of life associated with ageing. Additionally, the HKSAR Government has been actively reinforcing support for caregivers in recent years, which aligns seamlessly with the inclusion of caregiver elements in ICOPE 2.0. This underscores the importance of recognising that caring for older adults involves not only the individuals themselves but also the necessity of bolstering support for caregivers, as this is crucial for sustainable solutions.' The WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the conference. To enhance the understanding of ICOPE 2.0 among healthcare professionals and stakeholders in elder care, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the conference. The video not only elucidates the ICOPE 2.0 framework but also demonstrates its application through real-life case studies. Additionally, the conference featured an ICOPE Community Practice Workshop which attracted experts from various countries to explore the updates in the new version, share insights, and discuss community application strategies. This initiative aims to benefit older adults globally and foster cross-regional knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Beyond promoting the implementation of ICOPE 2.0 in communities, the conference addressed a variety of topics related to healthy ageing, including policies on elderly health, technological innovations, and the latest developments in community care. Key areas of focus encompassed geriatric medicine, mental health, and smart ageing technologies, while also highlighting the latest research findings and practical examples of ageing studies from the Western Pacific region. Prof. Leung envisioned that the conference and resource-sharing initiatives will inspire more community organisations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to actively promote healthy ageing initiatives. The School of Nursing at PolyU will continue to uphold its leadership role as a WHO Collaborating Centre, driving the development and implementation of innovative solutions for elder health, thereby making a significant contribution to the global goal of achieving healthy ageing.

PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing
PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing

Malay Mail

time29-05-2025

  • Health
  • Malay Mail

PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing

As a WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Service, the School of Nursing at PolyU, in collaboration with the PolyU RISA, is hosting the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025. Distinguished guests presided over the inaugural ceremony, including Dr Libby LEE, the Acting Secretary for Health of the Government of HKSAR (centre); Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU (6th from the right); Ms Xinjie QI, Second Class Counsel (Deputy Director-General Level) of the Department of Ageing and Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (6th from the left); Dr Ching-choi LAM, Member of Executive Council of HKSAR Government and Chief Executive Officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service (5th from the right); Dr Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO WPRO (5th from the left); Prof. Kar-kan LING, Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) of PolyU (4th from the right); Dr Raymond HO, Assistant Director (Elderly Health) of the Department of Health of HKSAR (4th from the left); Prof. Angela LEUNG, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services HKSAR (3rd from the right); Prof. David SHUM, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of PolyU (3rd from the left); Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Director of RISA of PolyU (2nd from the right); Prof. Janelle YORKE, Chair Professor of Nursing and Head of School, School of Nursing of PolyU (2nd from the left); Prof. Jed MONTAYRE, Associate Head (Strategy) and Associate Professor, School of Nursing of PolyU (1st from the right); and Prof. Ivy ZHAO, Assistant Professor of School of Nursing, and Deputy Director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services of PolyU (1st from the left). Inclusion of Three Essential Factors in Ageing: In addition to evaluating six intrinsic capacities—cognition, mobility, nutrition, vision, hearing, and mental health—ICOPE 2.0 now incorporates "urinary incontinence management", "social care and support", "carer support" and vaccination advocacy, thus providing a more accurate representation of older adults' health status and quality of life. Introduction of Three Filter Questions: To streamline the assessment process for cognitive, hearing, and vision capabilities, a rapid screening system has been established. If an older adult responds "yes" to any of these questions, they will be referred directly for a comprehensive evaluation. Provision of Immediate Recommendations and Interventions: Following the completion of the ICOPE 2.0 assessment, the responsible assessor is equipped to offer tailored health advice and community support based on the individual needs of the older adult. The WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the conference. HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - The world is facing the challenge of an ageing population, making the maintenance of health and quality of life for the elderly an urgent issue. As a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Service, the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), is hosting the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 from 29 – 30 May. The conference aims to promote healthy ageing efforts in the Western Pacific region and beyond, bringing together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions., stated that the conference provides a platform for policymakers, the healthcare industry, academics, and stakeholders to jointly promote healthy ageing. He said, "With PolyU's extensive experience in the education of healthcare professionals, we have submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong's third medical school, aiming to leverage the University's robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of medical doctors who are socially responsible and technologically proficient.", stated in her speech that China and the WHO have conducted a series of collaborations on integrated medical and elderly care, the establishment of age-friendly medical institutions, and the development of geriatric medicine, achieving positive results. She expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges with other countries and share innovative experiences. She also emphasised that advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy, and the National Health Commission will continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in areas such as healthy ageing., stated that the HKSAR Government is actively reforming the healthcare system, including enhancing the primary healthcare services. As outlined in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint released in December 2022, the Government's strategy adopts a prevention-focused, community-based approach. It aims at supporting and equipping people to lead a healthy life in the community, thereby improving the overall health status of the population. This conference serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange across healthcare disciplines, experience sharing, partnership building, as well as innovative solutions exploration. It definitely will contribute to the enhancement of the wellbeing of older persons in Hong Kong and beyond., reaffirmed that the conference offered an exceptional platform for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, and academics to come together and address the pressing trends and challenges related to population ageing in the region. He stated, "PolyU's School of Nursing made significant efforts to facilitate a wide range of discussions, encompassing research and practical ideas, all with the aim of enhancing healthy ageing."In 2019, WHO introduced the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, transitioning from a disease-centred approach to one that assesses the intrinsic capacities of older adults—encompassing both physical and mental abilities. This comprehensive, person-centred model is designed to identify early signs of decline in intrinsic capacity, enabling timely interventions to mitigate, halt, or reverse frailty and dependence in older individuals. Building on expert feedback and the latest research, WHO has recently launched ICOPE 2.0, featuring the following key enhancements:, remarked, "ICOPE 2.0 enhances the entire assessment and intervention process, facilitating the early identification of older adults in need of support and care. This approach helps to mitigate or slow the decline in quality of life associated with ageing. Additionally, the HKSAR Government has been actively reinforcing support for caregivers in recent years, which aligns seamlessly with the inclusion of caregiver elements in ICOPE 2.0. This underscores the importance of recognising that caring for older adults involves not only the individuals themselves but also the necessity of bolstering support for caregivers, as this is crucial for sustainable solutions."To enhance the understanding of ICOPE 2.0 among healthcare professionals and stakeholders in elder care, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the conference. The video not only elucidates the ICOPE 2.0 framework but also demonstrates its application through real-life case studies. Additionally, the conference featured an ICOPE Community Practice Workshop which attracted experts from various countries to explore the updates in the new version, share insights, and discuss community application strategies. This initiative aims to benefit older adults globally and foster cross-regional knowledge sharing and technology promoting the implementation of ICOPE 2.0 in communities, the conference addressed a variety of topics related to healthy ageing, including policies on elderly health, technological innovations, and the latest developments in community care. Key areas of focus encompassed geriatric medicine, mental health, and smart ageing technologies, while also highlighting the latest research findings and practical examples of ageing studies from the Western Pacific Leung envisioned that the conference and resource-sharing initiatives will inspire more community organisations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to actively promote healthy ageing initiatives. The School of Nursing at PolyU will continue to uphold its leadership role as a WHO Collaborating Centre, driving the development and implementation of innovative solutions for elder health, thereby making a significant contribution to the global goal of achieving healthy #HealthyAgeingConference2025#WorldHealthOrganization#WHO#HealthyAgeing#PolyU#SchoolofNursing#Elderly#ICOPE2.0#WHOCollaboratingCentreforCommunityHealthServices The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services at the School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Since December 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the School of Nursing of Hong Kong Polytechnic University as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services (WHO CC). Committed to advancing the WHO's mission, the School actively promotes evidence-based community health services, aiming to enhance health outcomes at local, regional, and global levels. In 2023, the School was redesignated by WHO, with a focus on key indicators related to ageing and health. It is dedicated to promoting and implementing the WHO's Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) guidelines, while also providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration to foster initiatives in healthy ageing. About the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 The theme of the conference is "Progressing the Healthy Ageing Agenda: Translating and Implementing Healthy Ageing Programmes and Initiatives in Our Communities." Organised by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services (WHO CC) at the School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this event is strongly supported by the Title Sponsor, AIA Hong Kong. The conference aims to unite stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and other relevant individuals from around the globe to collaboratively advance the healthy ageing agenda. By translating and implementing healthy ageing programs and initiatives across the region, the conference aspires to contribute to the United Nations' Decade of Healthy Ageing goals. For more information, please visit the official conference website:

Hong Kong court rejects appeal bids of 5 people jailed for rioting near besieged university in 2019
Hong Kong court rejects appeal bids of 5 people jailed for rioting near besieged university in 2019

HKFP

time23-05-2025

  • HKFP

Hong Kong court rejects appeal bids of 5 people jailed for rioting near besieged university in 2019

A Hong Kong court has refused to allow appeal bids filed by five people who were jailed for rioting near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in 2019. Chan Yin-wang, Teresa Cheung, Chu Kwok-chi, Xavier Ko, and Lam Fung-chi appeared at the Court of Appeal on Thursday for their leave to appeal application. They are currently serving five-year jail terms, handed down by a District Court judge in November 2023 after they were found guilty of taking part in a riot in Yau Ma Tei on November 18, 2019. That week in 2019, protesters and police officers were locked in an intense standoff at PolyU in neighbouring Hung Hom, as many answered online calls urging people to take to the streets to support those trapped on campus. Cheung and Lam attempted to appeal both their sentences and guilty convictions, Ko and Chan attempted to appeal their sentences, while Chu attempted to appeal her conviction. Cheung represented herself, while the other four had legal representatives. Chan's lawyer told the court that his client went to church during the 10 months while awaiting his verdict. The District Court judge did not sufficiently consider Chan's rehabilitation, the lawyer said. Judge Anthea Pang, who sat on the three-judge panel, said Chan could have pleaded guilty to show his regret, but he chose to plead not guilty. Another judge, Maggie Poon, said sentences were based on a host of considerations and not just 'saying a prayer, going to church, and doing some volunteering.' 'A war zone' Representing Ko, lawyer David Ma said the District Court judge did not take into account his client's young age. Ko was 18 years old at the time of the offence. Ma said the same judge gave a sentence discount to a young defendant who had pleaded guilty in the same case. He said that judge did not explain why a reduced sentence based on age was offered only when the defendant pleaded guilty. In response, Judge Pang cited the District Court judge's sentencing judgment, which read in Chinese: 'Being young is not a cure-all. The scene was a war zone, and even a young person would know that such behaviour would lead to serious legal consequences.' Cheung, who represented herself, did not explain her reasons for attempting to appeal to the court. The hearing was adjourned for 30 minutes, after which the judges rejected all the appeal bids. The judges will issue their reasons in writing within six months.

70% of Hongkongers under 25 experimented with e-cigarettes: university poll
70% of Hongkongers under 25 experimented with e-cigarettes: university poll

South China Morning Post

time23-05-2025

  • Health
  • South China Morning Post

70% of Hongkongers under 25 experimented with e-cigarettes: university poll

Almost 70 per cent of teenagers under 25 polled have tried e-cigarettes before, while 60 per cent have picked flavoured cigarettes or other alternative tobacco products because of peer pressure, according to a Hong Kong Polytechnic University study. Another study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that more than one-third of regular smokers said they supported plain packaging to be implemented by authorities in 2027. The government introduced 10 tobacco control measures in June last year, including plain packaging requirements and banning flavoured cigarettes as well as alternative smoking products (ASPs) such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes. 'The lack of the traditional tobacco horrid odour, together with promotions online, has deceived teenagers into thinking that ASPs like e-cigarettes are less harmful and will not affect others,' said Professor Eva Ho Ka-yan, associate professor at PolyU's nursing school. 'It is extremely easy for teenagers to come into contact with ASPs if they go into clubs or bars. There are even videos on YouTube showing them how to set up a water-pipe to smoke at home, which brings these activities back to their homes and turns them into daily routines.' A research programme by PolyU's school of nursing targeted teenagers under 25 years old who have smoked or are regular smokers, and polled 573 participants through telephone counselling from June 2023 to November 2024.

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