Vaping Topography and Reasons of Use among Adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

2 University Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS), University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

3 Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

Background: Consistency and accuracy of results in assessing health risks due to vaping or e-cigarette use are difficult
to achieve without established consumption data. The present report covers baseline data on vaping topography and
reasons for use among local users in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: An 80-item survey regarding socio-demographic
characteristics, smoking topography and reasons for e-cigarette use was employed to assess e-cigarette users recruited
from several public universities and private organisations. The survey questionnaire was self-administered. Data were
analysed using statistical software. Results: Eighty-six current e-cigarette users participated with more than half (51.2%)
of them aged ≥ 25 years old. Significant proportions of the sample were single (51.2%), had a tertiary education level
(63.5%) and a household income of less than USD1000 per month (65.2%). Median duration of e-cigarette use was
less than a year; users drew approximately 50 puffs per day and refilled twice a day. The majority (74%) used e-liquids
containing nicotine with a concentration of 6 μg/mL. Daily users spent USD18-23 per month. Reasons for using the
e-cigarette included enjoyment of the products (85.9%), perception of lower toxicity than tobacco (87%), and the fact
that it was a cheaper smoking alternative (61%). Conclusion: The data on e-cigarette smoking topography obtained
in this study are novel. The reasons of usage were mainly users’ enjoyment of e-cigarettes, preparation for quitting
smoking, perception of low toxicity and a healthier smoking substitute and cheapness in the long run. The results
establish basic knowledge for the local vaping topography and reference material for future e-cigarette-related research.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 19, Issue 2
February 2018
Pages 457-462

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 August 2017
  • Revise Date: 26 November 2017
  • Accept Date: 16 January 2018

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