Perceived safety and effectiveness of electronic cigarettes among Malaysian adults and public support for regulation

• Main Authors: Draman, Samsul, Ab Rahman, Norny Syafinaz, Nik Mohamed, Mohamad Haniki, Kartiwi, Mira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Organization of Pharmaceutical Unity with BioAllied Sciences (OPUBS) 2020
• Subjects: R Medicine (General); RA Public aspects of medicine; RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RS Pharmacy and materia medica
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/85483/1/5.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/85483/; https://www.jpbsonline.org/article.asp?issn=0975-7406;year=2020;volume=12;issue=6;spage=852;epage=934;aulast=
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes have been used as a harm reduction method towards tobacco cessation. Malaysian government has enforced a strict policy to regulate the sale of electronic cigarette products because its liquid contains nicotine. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the general public’s perception towards electronic cigarette use. Public support towards electronic cigarette regulation was also examined. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the National E-Cigarette Survey (NECS) 2016, which used a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling household survey representing all Malaysian adults aged 18 years old. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a total of 4,288 adults. Results: Majority were aged 25–44 years old (44%), completed at least secondary education (69%), of Malay ethnicity (73%), and married (68%). Majority (88.1%) have never used electronic cigarette. A quarter (25.5%) perceived electronic cigarette helps people quit cigarette smoking, while 20.3% perceived electronic cigarette helps people to maintain cigarette abstinence. About 85% believed that electronic cigarette use do not help in improving breathing and coughing. Majority (91.8%) disagreed that electronic cigarettes should be allowed in places where tobacco smoking is banned. Thus, 63.4% agreed that electronic cigarette should be banned completely rather than regulated. Conclusion: Majority of general public had negative perception about electronic cigarette use.