A Review of Smoking Research In Malaysia
- Author:
Wee Lei Hum
;
Caryn Chan Mei Hsien
;
Yogarabindranath Swarna Nantha
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Smoking;
Review;
Malaysia;
Risk Factors;
Initiation, Cessation
- MeSH:
Smoking;
Tobacco Use
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2016;71(3 Suppl.):29-41
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Two hundred and seventy one original published materials
related to tobacco use were found in a search through a
database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to
Medicine and Health in Malaysia from 1996 - 2015. A total of
147 papers were selected and reviewed on the basis of their
relevance and implications for future research. Findings
were summarised, categorised and presented according to
epidemiology, behaviour, clinical features and management
of smoking. Most studies are cross-sectional with small
sample sizes. Studies on smoking initiation and prevalence
showed mixed findings with many small scale studies within
the sub-groups. The majority of the studies were related to
factors that contribute to initiation in adolescents.
Nonetheless, there are limited studies on intervention
strategies to curb smoking among this group. There is a
lack of clinical studies to analyse tobacco use and major
health problems in Malaysia. In addition, studies on the best
treatment modalities on the use of pharmacotherapy and
behavioural counselling have also remained unexplored.
Reasons why smokers do not seek clinic help to quit
smoking need further exploration. A finding on the extent of
effort carried out by healthcare providers in assisting
smokers to make quit attempts is not known. Studies on
economic and government initiatives on policies and
tobacco use focus mainly on the effects of cigarette bans,
increased cigarettes taxes and the influence of the tobacco
industry. Recommendations are given for the government to
increase efforts in implementing smoke-free legislation,
early and tailored interventions. Clinical studies in this area
are lacking, as are opportunities to research on ways to
reduce smoking initiation age and the most effective quit
smoking strategies.
- Full text:P020170214462200698573.pdf
