ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND THEIR ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG THE COMMUNITY IN PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Received 2023-05-19; Accepted 2023-09-06; Published 2024-01-06

Abstract

The proliferation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping users shows the current trend is now on the rise locally or globally. It has gained popularity because people are accepting it as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. There is a bundle of information about the advantages and disadvantages of e-cigarettes, with conflicting results that affect public understanding and attitude towards the usage of e-cigarettes. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and attitude on e-cigarettes including their associated factors among one of the communities in Pahang, Malaysia. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 community members using online self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire consists of 3 parts: Socio-demographic, knowledge, and attitude toward e-cigarettes. The data were analysed by SPSS version 24, using descriptive and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to answer the research aim. 48.5% of the participants exhibited a high level of knowledge regarding e-cigarettes, while 84% of them exhibited a positive attitude towards e-cigarettes. A MANOVA showed statistically significant multivariate effects of gender and smoking status (p < 0.001). Further analysis of univariate ANOVA revealed significant main effects of gender and smoking status on the attitude of e-cigarettes. Post-hoc analysis indicated that both passive and non-smoker have significance effect towards attitude as compared to smoker (p < 0.001). This study showed that community members are more likely to be knowledgeable about e-smoking. However, holistic community education programs and health campaigns should be undertaken to shape attitudes towards e-smoking by providing accurate information on e-cigarettes and preventing the rise of e-cigarette users. The government should take action by adopting tobacco control measures comprehensively that including e-cigarette regulations.