Study of E-Cigarette Usage among University Students in Perak using the Modified E-Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MECEQ)

Background: E-cigarettes are devices of growing popularity worldwide, primarily containing nicotine. Despite the increasing number of e-cigarette users in Malaysia, there remains insufficient data on the subjective effects of e-cigarette use among young adults. This study aims to examine these effects among university students in selected universities in Perak, utilising the Modified E-Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (MECEQ). Methods: A study sample size of 236 respondents was determined using the OpenEpi online software, targeting e-cigarettes users from six universities in Perak. The questionnaire, distributed via Google forms, and Whatsapp, comprised three sections: sociodemographic information, smoking status, and the Modified E-Cigarettes Evaluation Questionnaire (MECEQ). Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 23, employing frequency and chi-square tests to identify associations between e-cigarette use and various factors. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that most university students in Perak who participated were male (n=218,92.4%), with a household income below RM 2000 (n=196, 83.1%). Most participants had been using e-cigarettes for 1-5 years. Analysis of the MECEQ showed a moderate average score for Vaping Satisfaction, while Psychological Reward, Enjoyment of Respiratory Tract Sensation, and Aversion had low average scores. Conclusion: This study highlights that e-cigarette users aged 18-24 scored moderately on Vaping Satisfaction. This suggests that colleges and universities can promote e-cigarette cessation through peer-led support, health campaigns, and incorporating the topic into curricula. Incentives and tobacco-free programs could also encourage quitting. Given the fairly mild subjective effect of e-cigarette use, authorities should prioritise on educating students about the harmful ingredients found in e-cigarettes. More research is needed to determine the health concerns in this population.