Cigarette and Vape Use and Perceptions Toward Vaping Among University Students ind Malaysia

Abstract

Background: The increasing use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) among young adults has become an emerging public health concern. Although vaping has gained popularity in Malaysia, evidence regarding cigarette smoking, vape use, and perceptions towards vaping among university students remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the patterns of cigarette smoking, vape use, and dual use among Malaysian university students and to assess their perceptions towards vaping.

Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Malaysia using convenience sampling. A validated and pretested online questionnaire was distributed via email. Data on demographic characteristics, tobacco use behaviours, and perceptions towards vaping were collected and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, while Pearson's Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed where appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Outcome: Ninety-two university students participated in the study. Most respondents were non-smokers (70.7%), while 9.8% were cigarette smokers, 13.0% were exclusive vapers, and 6.5% were dual users. Cigarette smokers were predominantly male and Malay, whereas exclusive vape use was reported equally by males and females. Most respondents perceived vaping to be as harmful as cigarette smoking (p = 0.023) and disagreed that vaping is a better method for smoking cessation (p = 0.018). Among tobacco users, socialising was the most commonly reported reason for cigarette smoking and vaping.

Conclusion: Cigarette smoking, vape use, and dual use were relatively uncommon among the university students surveyed.  Most respondents perceived vaping to be as harmful as cigarette smoking and did not consider it a more effective method for smoking cessation.