Vaping Topography and Reasons of Use among Adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Consistency and accuracy of results in assessing health risks due to vaping or e-cigarette use are difficult<br />to achieve without established consumption data. The present report covers baseline data on vaping topography and<br />reasons for use among local users in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: An 80-item survey regarding socio-demographic<br />characteristics, smoking topography and reasons for e-cigarette use was employed to assess e-cigarette users recruited<br />from several public universities and private organisations. The survey questionnaire was self-administered. Data were<br />analysed using statistical software. Results: Eighty-six current e-cigarette users participated with more than half (51.2%)<br />of them aged ≥ 25 years old. Significant proportions of the sample were single (51.2%), had a tertiary education level<br />(63.5%) and a household income of less than USD1000 per month (65.2%). Median duration of e-cigarette use was<br />less than a year; users drew approximately 50 puffs per day and refilled twice a day. The majority (74%) used e-liquids<br />containing nicotine with a concentration of 6 μg/mL. Daily users spent USD18-23 per month. Reasons for using the<br />e-cigarette included enjoyment of the products (85.9%), perception of lower toxicity than tobacco (87%), and the fact<br />that it was a cheaper smoking alternative (61%). Conclusion: The data on e-cigarette smoking topography obtained<br />in this study are novel. The reasons of usage were mainly users' enjoyment of e-cigarettes, preparation for quitting<br />smoking, perception of low toxicity and a healthier smoking substitute and cheapness in the long run. The results<br />establish basic knowledge for the local vaping topography and reference material for future e-cigarette-related research.