Publication:

Current practices of vaping in Sibu Municipal Council area, Sarawak, Malaysia

Background The purpose of the study was to explore the attitude and practices towards vaping habits in the Sibu Municipal Council area, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 403 participants in Sibu Municipal Council area which is under Sibu district in Sibu Division, Sarawak, Malaysia.

Results The proportion of vape users (11.7%) was higher than the 2016 Malaysian National E-Cigarette Survey's 3.2%. Among vape users, 31.9% had less than 50 puffs daily, 40.4% had 50-100 puffs daily, and 27.7% had more than 100 puffs daily. Prefilled cartridges were the most used vape, followed by drip feed from bottle and tank feed, while 12.8% used other devices and 4.3% were uncertain about their vaping method. Responding with positive attitude towards vaping was 31.8%. Peer pressure to vape among vapers was experienced in 19.1%. Male respondents were more susceptible to vaping. Knowledge about vaping was less informed among 50.4% of participants. There was a significant association between the level of peer pressure and attitude towards smoking where the more peer pressured participants had a more positive attitude towards vaping. Attitudes are not significant difference among different education levels.

Conclusions The rise in male vapers, particularly among young people under peer pressure, is influenced by peer influence, and misconceptions about vaping effects. This study shows the complexity of vaping trends, transcending gender and ethnic boundaries. Further research is needed to understand the underlying factors and young individuals' choices to address this growing public health concern.