BACKGROUND: Awareness of e-cigarettes in Malaysia has risen significantly over the past decade, increasing from 21.0% to 68.0%, alongside a growth in current e-cigarette use from 0.8% to 5.8% between 2011 and 2023. Over this period, dual use of e-cigarettes and tobacco has also seen an increase from 0.8% to 3.9%. This analysis aimed to explore the determinants of current e-cigarette use among the adult population in Malaysia.
METHODS: Data of current e-cigarette users from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2023 was analysed. GATS is a standardized, nationally representative household survey of individuals aged ≥15 years. Current e-cigarette use was determined by those who responded, “daily or less than daily” to the question “Do you currently use e-cigarettes on a daily basis, less than daily or not at all?”. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the prevalence and characteristics of e-cigarette use while multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with e-cigarette use among the Malaysian population.
RESULTS: The prevalence of e-cigarette use was 5.8% which is approximately 1.4 million adults. Highest prevalence was recorded among males; 10.5%, age group 15-24; 8.6%, those living in urban areas; 6.2%, non-government employees; 11.0%, single; 9.0%, and current tobacco smokers; 20.4%. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that males [aOR: 5.78 (95% CI: 2.27, 14,71)], age groups 15-24 years [aOR: 9.43 (95% CI: 2.43,36.52)] and 25-44 years [aOR:4.44 (95% CI: 1.21, 16.30)] and current tobacco smoking [aOR: 6.00 (95% CI: 3.47, 10.36)] were more likely to use e-cigarettes compared to females, older age 45 to 64 years and non-tobacco smokers.
CONCLUSIONS: Policies and programs aimed at preventing a further increase in e-cigarette use should focus on the specific demographic groups identified in this study. Additionally, awareness campaigns targeting youth are essential to discourage the initiation of e-cigarette use.