Prevalence and characteristics of e-cigarette users among Malaysian current and ex-smokers

Ho, Bee Kiau and Nik Mohamed, Mohamad Haniki and Ab Rahman, Jamalludin and Draman, Samsul and Kartiwi, Mira and Ab Rahman, Norny Syafinaz and Md Haris Robson, Noor Zurani and Chan, Caryn Mei Hsien and Lim, Kuang Hock and Baharom, Nizam and Ismail, Norliana and Tee, Guat Hiong and Yn, Jane Ling Miaw and Wee, Lei Hum (2019) Prevalence and characteristics of e-cigarette users among Malaysian current and ex-smokers. Malaysian Family Physicians, 14 (2). pp. 10-17. ISSN 1985-207X

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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 this study was to determine the prevalence of EC use and the socio-demographic and smoking characteristics associated 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 ex- smokers, 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.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5221/79211
Uncontrolled Keywords:	e-cigarette, current and ex- smokers, Malaysian adults
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Community Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011) Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Family Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011) Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User:	DR NORNY SYAFINAZ AB RAHMAN
Date Deposited:	27 Feb 2020 16:26
Last Modified:	23 Mar 2020 23:59
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/79211

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