MyMedR

Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 732 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Mapping the Malaysian Smoking Cessation Clinics: A Geographic Information System-Based Study

Md Bohari NF, Sabri NF, Wan Rasdi WND, Mohd Radzi NA, Bakri NN

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 12 24;33(2-3):227-233.
PMID: 33356376 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520982718

Although geographic information system-based studies are particularly increasing in other sectors, few have embraced their full potential in health services allocation in Malaysia. This study aimed to produce a visual map on the distribution of smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) in Malaysia and analyze its pattern against the national population of smokers. SCC addresses were obtained from the government website and mapped using geographic information system tools. A total of 199 and 449 private and public SCCs was mapped throughout the country, respectively. The lowest SCC to smoker population ratio was in the state of Negeri Sembilan with 1:3000. The highest SCC to smoker population ratio was in Sabah with 1 SCC for 15 000 smokers. Almost 70% of SCCs were primary health clinics. Smoking cessation clinics were distributed throughout all the states in Malaysia except the state of Sabah.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation*
Fulltext Effectiveness of training stop-smoking advisers to deliver cessation support to the UK national proposed standard versus usual care in Malaysia: a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial

Wee LH, West R, Tee GH, Yeap L, Chan CMH, Ho BK, et al.

Addiction, 2021 08;116(8):2150-2161.
PMID: 33220115 DOI: 10.1111/add.15346

AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of training stop smoking services providers in Malaysia to deliver support for smoking cessation based on the UK National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) standard treatment programme compared with usual care.
DESIGN: Two-arm cluster-randomized controlled effectiveness trial across 19 sites with follow-up at 4-week, 3-month, and 6-month.
SETTING: Stop smoking services operating in public hospitals in Malaysia.
PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and two smokers [mean ± standard deviation (SD), age 45.6 (13.4) years; 97.4% male] attending stop smoking services in hospital settings in Malaysia: 330 in 10 hospitals in the intervention condition and 172 in nine hospitals in the control condition.
INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: The intervention consisted of training stop-smoking practitioners to deliver support and follow-up according to the NCSCT Standard Treatment Programme. The comparator was usual care (brief support and follow-up).
MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was continuous tobacco smoking abstinence up to 6 months in smokers who received smoking cessation treatment, verified by expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) concentration. Secondary outcomes were continuous CO-verified tobacco smoking abstinence up to 4 weeks and 3 months.
RESULTS: Follow-up rates at 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months were 80.0, 70.6 and 53.3%, respectively, in the intervention group and 48.8, 30.8 and 23.3%, respectively, in the control group. At 6-month follow-up, 93 participants in the intervention group and 19 participants in the control group were abstinent from smoking, representing 28.2 versus 11.0% in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis assuming that participants with missing data had resumed smoking, and 52.8 versus 47.5% in a follow-up-only (FUO) analysis. Unadjusted odds ratios (accounting for clustering) were 5.04, (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22-20.77, P = 0.025) and 1.70, (95% CI = 0.25-11.53, P = 0.589) in the ITT and FUO analyses, respectively. Abstinence rates at 4 week and 3 month follow-ups were significantly higher in the intervention versus control group in the ITT but not the FUO analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: On an intention-to-treat analysis with missing-equals-smoking imputation, training Malaysian stop smoking service providers in the UK National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training standard treatment programme appeared to increase 6 month continuous abstinence rates in smokers seeking help with stopping compared with usual care. However, the effect may have been due to increasing follow-up rates.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation*
Fulltext Quit rates at 6 months in a pharmacist-led smoking cessation service in Malaysia

Fai SC, Yen GK, Malik N

Can Pharm J (Ott), 2016 Sep;149(5):303-312.
PMID: 27708676

BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation clinics have been established in Malaysia since 2004, but wide variations in success rates have been observed. This study aimed to evaluate the proposed pharmacist-led Integrated Quit Smoking Service (IQSS) in Sabah, Malaysia, and identify factors associated with successful smoking cessation.
METHODS: Data from 176 participants were collected from one of the quit-smoking centres in Sabah, Malaysia. Pharmacists, doctors and nurses were involved throughout the study. Any health care provider can refer patients for smoking cessation, and free pharmacotherapy and counselling was provided during the cessation period for up to 3 months. Information on demographic characteristics, smoking behaviours, follow-up and pharmacotherapy were collected. The main outcome measure was the abstinence from smoking, which was verified through carbon monoxide in expired air during the 6-month follow-up.
RESULTS: A 42.6% success rate was achieved in IQSS. Smoking behaviour such as lower cigarette intake and lower Fagerström score were identified as factors associated with success. On top of that, a longer duration of follow-up and more frequent visits were significantly associated with success in quitting smoking.
CONCLUSION: Collaboration among health care practitioners should be the main focus, and we need a combination of proven effective modalities in order to create an ideal smoking cessation module.
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation*
Fulltext Religious beliefs in relation to smoking: a cross-sectional study among muslim males in the month of Ramadan

Abu Bakar A Majid, Lokman H Johari, Amal M Nasir, Anselm, S.T., Chan, W.H., Noraziah A Rahman, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2002;2(2):32-35.
MyJurnal

A cross—sectional study conducted in the fasting month of Ramadan targeting muslim males assessed their religious beliefs in relation to smoking and their intentions t0 quit smoking in Ramadan. It was found that there law; is a strong association between their perceptions on the religious ruling of smoking as haram (prohibited) in relation to their smoking status. Among the non smokers and ex smokers, 87.8% and 73.6% respectively accept the ruling on smoking as prohibitea'(haram), while only 31.6% of smokers accept smoking as prohibited. Among the smokers, 97.7% smoke a lesser number of cigarettes during Ramadan, while 96.7% of them felt that it is easier to quit during the fasting month. The findings suggest that the religious department needs to provide more information and education to the Muslim population as to the reasons of the ruling on smoking as haram(prohibited) on religious grounds . It was also found that the majority felt it is easier to quit during quit smoking programmes can be emphasized and carried out on a bigger scale during fasting months in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking; Smoking Cessation
Impact of graphic pack warnings on adult smokers' quitting activities: Findings from the ITC Southeast Asia Survey (2005-2014)

Li L, Fathelrahman AI, Borland R, Omar M, Fong GT, Quah AC, et al.

Journal of smoking cessation, 2016 Jun;11(2):124-134.
PMID: 27525045

Malaysia introduced graphic health warning labels (GHWLs) on all tobacco packages in 2009. We aimed to examine if implementing GHWLs led to stronger warning reactions (e.g., thinking about the health risks of smoking) and an increase in subsequent quitting activities; and to examine how reactions changed over time since the implementation of the GHWLs in Malaysia and Thailand where GHWL size increased from 50-55% in 2010. Data came from six waves (2005-2014) of the International Tobacco Control Southeast Asia Survey. Between 3,706 and 4,422 smokers were interviewed across these two countries at each survey wave. Measures included salience of warnings, cognitive responses (i.e., thinking about the health risks and being more likely to quit smoking), forgoing cigarettes, and avoiding warnings. The main outcome was subsequent quit attempts. Following the implementation of GHWLs in Malaysia, reactions increased, in some cases to levels similar to the larger Thai warnings, but declined over time. In Thailand, reactions increased following implementation, with no decline for several years, and no clear effect of the small increase in warning size. Reactions, mainly cognitive responses, were consistently predictive of quit attempts in Thailand, but this was only consistently so in Malaysia after the change to GHWLs. In conclusion, GHWLs are responded to more frequently, and generate more quit attempts, but warning wear-out is not consistent in these two countries, perhaps due to differences in other tobacco control efforts.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking; Smoking Cessation
Fulltext A survey of smoking habits among students in the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Patrick E

Med J Malaya, 1967 Dec;22(2):99-103.
PMID: 4231986

A survey of smoking habits among the students attending the Student Health Clinic for various ailments showed:
(1) Smoking in women is very uncommon (only 2 out of 79; 2.53%)
(2) About 30% of men smoke (106 out of 322; 32.9%)
3. The majority of these had commenced smoking before they entered the university.
4. The majority smoked filter tipped brands.
5. Where the mothers in the family smoked, the sons seem to take to smoking more readily.
6. Knowledge of the effects of smoking on health was poor, but equal in all three groups viz in women and in both smoking and non-smoking men.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking*
Smoking in Tutong,Brunei: a changing habit

Woodcock AA

Med J Malaysia, 1979 Sep;34(1):3-5.
PMID: 542147
Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/epidemiology*
Fulltext Dentist’s role as smoking cessation counsellor

Asmaon, A.F., Ishak, A.R.

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2007;28(2):72-77.
MyJurnal

The aim of the study was to assess the potential role of dentists as smoking cessation counsellors in their practice. The target group comprised of all public and private sector dentists in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (FTKL) and Selangor. Data were collected via a twenty-six item questionnaire which was mailed to 831 dentists. A response rate of 67.1% was obtained. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents (97.8%) perceived that in addition to providing oral care, dentists should also be interested in their patients’ general health. Generally, about two-thirds of dentists (69.1%) and especially those from the public sector (76.4%) considered that they have an important role to play as smoking cessation counsellors. However, less than half of the respondents (40.3%) perceived that patients do not expect smoking cessation advice from their dentists. Yet, more than half of the respondents (55.1%) provided advice or helpful hints in order to motivate their patients to quit smoking. About 65% of the overall respondents did explain to their patients regarding the health risk due to smoking and its detrimental effects. Perceived obstacles to smoking cessation include lack of information between dentistry and smoking cessation (86.1%) followed by lack of training and lack of time.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking; Smoking Cessation
Trench Mouth

Chaubal T, Bapat R

Am J Med, 2017 Nov;130(11):e493-e494.
PMID: 28602875 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.05.020
Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/adverse effects*
Smoking status and oral health-related quality of life among adults in the United Kingdom

Bakri NN, Tsakos G, Masood M

Br Dent J, 2018 07 27;225(2):153-158.
PMID: 30050198 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.529

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between smoking and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among dentate people aged 16 years and above in England.
Methods: Cross-sectional study, based on the Adult Dental Health Survey (ADHS) 2009. ADHS 2009 involved data collection from 11,380 face-to-face interviews and 6,469 dental examinations from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This study focuses on the dentate sample from England, consisting of 5,622 individuals who underwent dental examination. OHRQoL was measured by two indices; Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP). Unadjusted and adjusted zero-inflated regression models were used. Adjustment was sequentially done for socio-demographics, clinical oral conditions and self-reported general health.
Results: Prevalence of those who had never smoked, past smokers and current smokers were 45.6%, 35.3% and 19.2% respectively. Current smokers had considerably higher mean OHIP-14 and OIDP scores than non-smokers. There was a statistically significant association between smoking and OHRQoL (both OHIP-14 and OIDP) even in the fully adjusted models. Current smokers were more likely to report worse OHRQoL compared to those who had never smoked in both OHIP-14 and OIDP score. There was no statistically significant difference between past smokers with those who had never smoked in reporting OHIP-14 and OIDP. Among those reporting OHRQoL, there was a stepwise gradient risk of reporting no oral impact, where the probability was higher among those who had never smoked, followed by past smokers and current smokers both in OHIP-14 and OIDP.
Conclusion: Smoking was independently associated with worse OHRQoL, even after adjusting for a range of socio-demographic factors, clinical oral conditions and self-reported general health.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking*
Fulltext Rationalizations and identity conflict following smoking relapse: a thematic analysis

Wee LH, Binti Ithnin AA, West R, Mohammad N, Chan CM, Hasan Nudin SS

J Subst Use, 2017 Jan 02;22(1):47-52.
PMID: 28217031 DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2016.1143045

Introduction: Little is known about how smokers respond cognitively and emotionally to the experience of "late" relapse after the acute withdrawal phase. This study assessed the kinds of thoughts and feelings that emerge in order to provide a basis for quantitative research assessing prevalence of different types of response and implications for future quit attempts. Methods: Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted among 14 people attending a quit smoking clinic in Malaysia who had relapsed after at least 6 weeks of abstinence. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to enable emergence of important aspects of the experience. Results: Following relapse, smokers often engaged in rationalizations and activities to minimize worry about the harmful effects of smoking by switching to a lower-tar cigarette, reducing the number of cigarette smoked, attempting to reduce cigarette smoke inhalation, comparing themselves with other smokers, and minimizing the health risks associated with smoking. In some cases, smokers retained a "non-smoker" identity despite having relapsed. Conclusion: Smoking relapsers rationalize their failure to quit and minimize their health risk in order to protect their image as non-smokers while it remains a source of identity conflict.
Study site: Quit Smoking Clinic, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Selangor, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation*
Fulltext Tobacco use and attitudes towards tobacco control activities of Malaysian dental students

Mohd Nor NA, Abdul Razak I, Ab-Murat N, Ismail N, Ibrahim F

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2018;13(1):6-15.
MyJurnal

Tobacco usage among dental students and the amount of training they received may have an impact on tobacco cessation activities undertaken for their patients. This study aims to assess Malaysian dental students’ tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and their attitude towards tobacco control activities and curriculum. This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS). The questionnaire was distributed to all Malaysian fourth and fifth year
dental students in four public dental schools (n=372), namely University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The data were analysed using descriptive and chi square tests. In total, (n=349) respondents completed the questionnaire, yielding a 93.8% response rate. Although the prevalence of Malaysian dental students who ‘ever smoked’ was 21.2%, the prevalence of current smokers was low (2.3%). About 62% and 39% of students reported having been exposed to second-hand smoke in public and at home, respectively. USIM students were significantly less likely to recall having received training about approaches to smoking cessation (52.9%, p<0.001). Significantly fewer smokers than nonsmokers agreed on tobacco banning policy. Regardless of their smoking status, the majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in tobacco cessation. Tobacco user among Malaysian dental students was low. There were statistically significant differences between ever smokers and non-smokers’ attitudes towards tobacco banning policy. The majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in
tobacco cessation.
Keywords: Attitudes; GHPSS; public health; smoking; tobacco

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking*
Pneumothorax: Classification and Etiology

Huan NC, Sidhu C, Thomas R

Clin Chest Med, 2021 12;42(4):711-727.
PMID: 34774177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2021.08.007

Pneumothorax is a common problem worldwide. Pneumothorax develops secondary to diverse aetiologies; in many cases, there may be no recognizable lung abnormality. The pathogenetic mechanism(s) causing spontaneous pneumothorax may be related to an interplay between lung-related abnormalities and environmental factors such as smoking. Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for primary spontaneous pneumothorax; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is most frequently associated with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. This review article provides an overview of the historical perspective, epidemiology, classification, and aetiology of pneumothorax. It also aims to highlight current knowledge and understanding of underlying risks and pathophysiological mechanisms in pneumothorax development.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/adverse effects
Fulltext Outcome and predictors for smoking Cessation in a Quit Smoking Clinic

Muhammad Adil Zainal Abidin, Hayati Kadi @ Shahar, Rosliza Abdul Manaf

Int J Public Health Res, 2017;7(1):774-782.
MyJurnal

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of non-communicable disease mortality worldwide. Therefore, effort for the effective measure in smoking cessation is important. However, the central problem in the nicotine addiction treatment is relapse. A retrospective cohort study was done at Tanglin Quit Smoking Clinic to determine the outcome of smoking cessation and its predictors. A cohort of 770 smokers between 2008 and 2015 were identified through simple random sampling. Smokers were defined as current smoker, while smoking abstinence is defined as cessation more than 6 months and relapse as any smoking episode even a puff since the quit date. Majority were Malays, Muslims and had secondary or higher education. The mean initiating age for smoking was 17.6 years old, with majority smoke between 11 to 20 sticks, and had high nicotine dependence score (43%). At the end of the study 52.5% of them abstinence from smoking. The predictors for smoking cessation were number of quit attempt (1 to 10 times) (AOR = 1.582, 95% CI = 1.012-2.472) and pharmacotherapy (AOR = 0.711, 95% CI=0.511-0.989). More frequent follow up was required during the first crucial 6 months to prevent relapse. Number of follow up can enhance not only the medication compliance but also motivational aspect to smokers to reduce relapse rates. Healthcare provider should give extra attention to the potential relapser especially to those who attempt for the first time.
Keywords: Malaysia, Quit Smoking Clinic, Smoking Cessation, Cohort, Survival analysis

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking; Smoking Cessation
Fulltext Oral manifestations in young adults infected with COVID-19 and impact of smoking: a multi-country cross-sectional study

El Tantawi M, Sabbagh HJ, Alkhateeb NA, Quritum M, Abourdan J, Qureshi N, et al.

PeerJ, 2022;10:e13555.
PMID: 35860046 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13555

BACKGROUND: Oral manifestations and lesions could adversely impact the quality of people's lives. COVID-19 infection may interact with smoking and the impact on oral manifestations is yet to be discovered.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the self-reported presence of oral lesions by COVID-19-infected young adults and the differences in the association between oral lesions and COVID-19 infection in smokers and non-smokers.
METHODS: This cross-sectional multi-country study recruited 18-to-23-year-old adults. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on COVID-19-infection status, smoking and the presence of oral lesions (dry mouth, change in taste, and others) using an online platform. Multi-level logistic regression was used to assess the associations between the oral lesions and COVID-19 infection; the modifying effect of smoking on the associations.
RESULTS: Data was available from 5,342 respondents from 43 countries. Of these, 8.1% reported COVID-19-infection, 42.7% had oral manifestations and 12.3% were smokers. A significantly greater percentage of participants with COVID-19-infection reported dry mouth and change in taste than non-infected participants. Dry mouth (AOR=, 9=xxx) and changed taste (AOR=, 9=xxx) were associated with COVID-19- infection. The association between COVID-19-infection and dry mouth was stronger among smokers than non-smokers (AOR = 1.26 and 1.03, p = 0.09) while the association with change in taste was stronger among non-smokers (AOR = 1.22 and 1.13, p = 0.86).
CONCLUSION: Dry mouth and changed taste may be used as an indicator for COVID-19 infection in low COVID-19-testing environments. Smoking may modify the association between some oral lesions and COVID-19-infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/adverse effects
Fulltext Smoking and Unstable Plaque in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review of The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases

Aminuddin A, Cheong SS, Roos NAC, Ugusman A

Int J Med Sci, 2023;20(4):482-492.
PMID: 37057211 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.79889

Smoking is a risk factor of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that could increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels, leading to unstable coronary artery plaque. The current review aimed to identify the relationship between smoking and MMPs in patients with ACS. Literature search was conducted from inception until March 2022 in three online databases. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed, and the odds ratio (OR) together with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined. A total of 7,843 articles were identified, and only seven studies were included. Four studies investigated the MMP-3 and MMP-9 related genes and found that smokers with certain MMPs genotypes had high risk of ACS. Smoking also increased the MMPs level in patients with ACS compared with non-smokers. Additionally, a meta-analysis of two studies resulted in an increased odd of ACS in smokers with MMP-3 5A allele versus non-smokers with MMP-3 6A6A allele (OR: 15.94, 95% CI: 10.63-23.92; I2 =55%). In conclusion, the current review highlights the role of MMPs in relation to smoking and ACS. The determination of these roles may help in identifying new ACS markers among smokers and the development of drug-targeted treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/adverse effects
Marketing claims, promotional strategies, and product information on Malaysian e-cigarette retailer websites-a content analysis

Shroff SM, Sreeramareddy CT

Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy, 2024 Jan 25;19(1):11.
PMID: 38273314 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00592-z

BACKGROUND: Marketing and sales of e-cigarettes are unregulated in Malaysia. We analyzed content displayed on e-cigarette retailer websites to identify marketing claims, promotional strategies, and product details in the year 2022.
METHODS: We analyzed 30 Malaysia-based retailer websites using a mixed methods approach. Data were extracted as the frequency of occurrences of marketing claims, presence of regulatory information, product types, and flavors of e-juice as per a predefined codebook based on published literature. We also extracted textual details published on the websites about marketing claims, and slogans.
RESULTS: Most retailer websites provided contact information and physical store addresses (83%) but only half had 'click through' age verification (57%) that seldom needed any identification proof for age (3%). Marketing claims were related to health (47%), smoking cessation (37%), and modernity/trend (37%) and none had health warnings. Promotional strategies were discounts (80%). starter kits (57%) and email subscriptions (53%). Product types displayed were rechargeable (97%) and disposable (87%) devices and e-liquids (90%) of an array of flavors (> 100). Nicotine presence, its concentration, and "nicotine is an addictive chemical" were displayed in 93%, 53%, and 23% of websites respectively.
CONCLUSION: Surveillance of content displayed online on e-cigarette retailer websites and regulation of online marketing and sales should be implemented by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Such measures are needed to prevent access to, and initiation of e-cigarette use among the youth and adults who do not smoke.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation*
Intentions to Quit, Quit Attempts, and the Use of Cessation Aids Among Malaysian Adult Smokers: Findings From the 2020 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Malaysia Survey

Kamaludin IS, How LS, Yee A, Kaai SC, Yan M, Danaee M, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Jan;36(1):69-77.
PMID: 38197364 DOI: 10.1177/10105395231220465

This study examined quitting behavior and use of cessation aids (CAs) among Malaysian adult smokers aged ≥18 years (n = 1,047). Data were from the 2020 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Malaysia Survey were analyzed. A total of 79.9% of Malaysian smokers attempted to quit in the past 12 months and 85.2% intended to quit in the next 6 months. The most common CAs were e-cigarettes (ECs) (61.4%), medication/nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs; 51.0%), and printed materials (36.7%); the least common CA was infoline/quitline services (8.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between sociodemographic variables and CAs use. Male smokers were more likely to use infoline/quitline services (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.27; P = .034). Malay smokers were more likely to use infoline/quitline services (aOR = 3.36; P = .002), ECs (aOR = 1.90; P = .004), printed materials (aOR = 1.79; P = .009), and in-person services (aOR = 1.75; P = .043). Most Malaysian smokers wanted to quit smoking. Furthermore, ECs were the most popular CAs, highlighting the need to assess the effectiveness of ECs for quitting smoking in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation*
Tobacco Imagery in the 50 Most Popular Malaysian Movies Released During 2015-2019

Billy TJ, Sreeramareddy CT, Oo PS, Aye SN

Nicotine Tob Res, 2024 Mar 22;26(4):508-511.
PMID: 37819726 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad198

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to tobacco imagery creates a positive impression about smoking and is associated with youth smoking uptake.
METHODS: From the list of movies released during 2015-2019, we selected the top 10 movies per year rated by the Malaysian Film Development Corporation. Two researchers coded tobacco imagery in each movie considering 5-minute time intervals as a unit. The 5-minute interval coding was adopted from previous research for comparability. Frequencies and the average occurrence of tobacco imagery were compared by movie language, genre, and age categorization.
RESULTS: In 50 movies analyzed, there were a total of 1037 five-minute intervals of which 26 (52%) movies and 277 (26.7%) of intervals tobacco imagery were present. Brand appearances were absent and health warnings about tobacco use were present in just one movie. The proportions of intervals containing actual use, paraphernalia, and implied use were 63.5%, 22.0%, and 14.5%. Tobacco imagery of actual use, paraphernalia, and implied use was present in 25, 20, and 10 movies, respectively. In those movies with tobacco imagery, the average number of occurrences of actual use, paraphernalia, and implied use was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2-11.5), 2.5 (IQR 1.3-4.0), and 1 (IQR 1-4), respectively. Movies classified as "p13" (median 6, IQR 6-13) and "18" (median 5, IQR 0-15) had higher average occurrences of tobacco imagery than "U" movies (median 0, IQR 0-2; p = .028).
CONCLUSIONS: The lack of health warnings despite the presence of tobacco imagery in Malaysian movies calls for measures to regulate tobacco-related content and reclassify such movies as "for adults-only."
IMPLICATIONS: Tobacco imagery was prevalent in Malaysian movies that are allowed viewing by individuals aged 13 years and above. A review of the age categorization of Malaysian movies and the placement of health warnings in movies is needed. A comprehensive implementation of the ban on tobacco advertisements, promotion, and sponsorship should also include a ban on tobacco imagery in movies.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/epidemiology
Common misconceptions and future intention to smoke among secondary school students in Malaysia

Caszo B, Khair M, Mustafa MH, Zafran SN, Syazmin N, Safinaz RN, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(3):1159-64.
PMID: 25735348

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of smoking among secondary school children continues to remain unchanged over the last 3 decades even though awareness regarding the health effects of smoking is increasing. Common misconceptions about smoking and parental influence could be factors influencing future intentions to smoke among these students. Hence, we looked at the common misconceptions as well as student perceptions about their future intention to smoke among Form 4 students in Shah Alam, Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted by distribution of a questionnaire developed as part of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey to Form 4 student in 3 schools at Shah Alam.
RESULTS: Prevalence of smoking (current smokers) was 7.5%. Almost half of the children came from families where one or both parents smoked and a third of the parents had no discussion regarding consequences of smoking with them. A large number of students were classified as "triers" as they had tried smoking and were unsure of whether they would not be smoking in the future. Contrary to our expectations, students generally felt smoking did make one feel more uncomfortable and helped one to reduce body weight. Most students seemed to be aware of the ill-effects of smoking on health. They felt they had received adequate information from school regarding the effects on smoking on health.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that even though Form 4 students in Shah Alam were knowledgeable about ill-effects of smoking and were taught so as part of their school curriculum, the prevalence of smoking was still high. Students in the "trier group" represent a potential group of future smokers and strategies targeting tobacco control may be aimed at tackling these vulnerable individuals. Efforts are also needed to help educate secondary school children about common misconceptions and dispel myths associated with cigarette smoking.

Matched MeSH terms: Smoking/epidemiology*; Smoking/psychology; Smoking/trends

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links