Familiarity, perception, and reasons for electronic-cigarette experimentation among the general public in Malaysia: Preliminary insight

Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among Malaysian populations. The study aimed to report the prevalence of current e-cigarette use and identify sociodemographic factors, motivators, attitudes, and perceptions associated with e-cigarette use among adults in Malaysia.

Key Points:

* The study was a cross-sectional survey of 400 adults in Kuantan, Malaysia.
* The survey consisted of 3 parts: demographic characteristics and e-cigarette use, familiarity with e-cigarettes, and perception of e-cigarettes.
* The study found that the prevalence of current e-cigarette use among Malaysian adults was low.
* Factors associated with e-cigarette use included younger age and higher education level.
* The most common motivators for e-cigarette use were curiosity and the belief that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
* Most participants believed that e-cigarettes should be regulated, and that more research is needed on their safety and efficacy for smoking cessation.
* The study highlights the need for evidence-based e-cigarette regulations in Malaysia.

Main Message:
This study provides important insights into the use of e-cigarettes among Malaysian adults. The low prevalence of use suggests that e-cigarettes are not yet widely accepted in Malaysia. However, the association between e-cigarette use and younger age and higher education level suggests that e-cigarettes may become more popular in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to establish evidence-based e-cigarette regulations in Malaysia to protect public health. The study's findings can inform policymakers and stakeholders in their efforts to regulate e-cigarettes in Malaysia.

Elkalmi, RamadanMohamed, AkshayaSrikanth Bhagavathul, Adamu Ya′u, SamiAbdo Radman Al-Dubai, TarekM Elsayed, Akram Ahmad, and Wael Mohamed. “Familiarity, Perception, and Reasons for Electronic-Cigarette Experimentation among the General Public in Malaysia: Preliminary Insight.” Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences 8, no. 3 (2016): 240. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.180768.