ILLICIT CIGARETTE USE IN KUANTAN, PAHANG-A QUICK GLIMPSE

Abstract

Introduction: Cigarette usage maintains as a concerning global health issue, especially with the expanding illicit cigarette spread and consumption.

Aim and objectives: To investigate the characteristics of illicit cigarette smokers in Kuantan, to compare the smoking behaviour and associated factors between illicit and non-illicit cigarette use; and to investigate the most common illicit cigarette brands used in Kuantan.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was done in Kuantan, Pahang by recruiting 100 participants, comprising of 50 illicit and 50 non illicit smokers. Participants were selected through snowballing technique. A survey was conducted by distributing questionnaire modified and translated from Global Adult Tobacco Survey.

Results: Illicit cigarette smokers are characterized by not married, no medical illness, lower total household income and higher frequency of smoking as compared to non-illicit cigarette smokers. They were aware of using illicit cigarette and low price is the main reason to smoke. Friends were the main source of information to buy and spread illicit cigarette. The famous brands are tally with the top brands findings from the Illicit Cigarette Study in Malaysia, 2019.

Conclusion: Illicit cigarettes use has become popular among the population in Kuantan especially lower income group, as it is cheaper and accessible through social networking.

Acknowledgement: The authors would like to thankfully acknowledge the support of Kulliyyah of Dentistry