Prevalence and characteristics of e-cigarette users among Malaysian current and ex-smokers
- Author:
Ho Bee Kiau
;
Mohamad Haniki b. Nik Mohamed
;
Jamalludin Ab Rahman
;
Samsul Draman
;
Mira Kartiwi
;
Syafinaz Ab Rahman
;
Noor Zurani Md Haris Robson
;
Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
;
Lim Kuang Hock
;
Nizam bin Baharom
;
Norliana Ismail
;
Tee Guat Hiong
;
Jane Ling Miaw Yn
;
Lei-Hum Wee
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
e-cigarette;
current and exsmokers;
Malaysian adults
- From:Malaysian Family Physician
2019;14(2):10-17
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are new devices that have been accepted widely by both
smokers and non-smokers. However, the evidence on EC used in Malaysia is scarce. The objective of thisstudy was to determine the prevalence of EC use and the socio-demographic and smoking characteristicsassociated with current EC use among Malaysian current and ex-smokers.
Methods: This was a sub-analysis of data from a cross-sectional, national-population- based EC study
conducted from May to June in 2016 in Malaysia. A detailed description of the sampling methods can
be found in the National E-cigarette Survey (NECS) 2016 report. Briefly, data were obtained from 1396
individuals who had ever been smokers, i.e., 957 (68.6%) current smokers and 439 (31.4%) ex-smokers.
Results: Current EC use was found predominantly among current smokers (8.0%) as compared with
ex-smokers (4.3%). Among current smokers, the main reasons given for smoking ECs were wanting to
try it (44.7%), followed by intention to quit tobacco smoking (15.8%) and to reduce tobacco smoking
(10.5%). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that among current smokers, current EC
users were more likely to be younger, i.e., 18-44 years (aOR= 4.83, 95% CI= 1.97-11.86, p=0.001),
urban residents (aOR= 1.89, 95% CI= 1.15-3.11, p=0.012), single/ divorced/ widowed (aOR= 2.11,
95% CI= 1.24-3.61, p=0.006) and students (aOR= 2.25, 95% CI= 1.01-5.01, p=0.048). Among exsmokers, only younger respondents (18-44 years old) was reported as being more likely to be current EC users (aOR= 3.81, 95% CI= 1.14-12.76, p=0.030).
Conclusion: This study showed that currently using and ever having used ECs were more prevalent
among current smokers. The reasons given for initiating EC use among current smokers were mainly
wanting to try it, followed by intention to quit and to reduce tobacco smoking. Current EC use appears
to be common among current smokers who are younger, urban residents, single/divorced/widowed and students. Therefore, EC cessation intervention strategies and policies should target these high-prevalence
groups
- Full text:2.2019my00351.pdf
