Knowledge, Attitude, Perception & Willingness to Quit Vaping Among Student-Teachers in Selangor, Malaysia

In Malaysia, there has been a notable increase in the prevalence of vape use among adolescents, thus emerges as a public health threat. Data concerning e-cigarettes are insufficient in Malaysia, particularly with a focus on university students, especially student-teachers who are future educators. This study aimed to examine the level of knowledge, attitude, perception of vaping and willingness to quit vaping among student-teachers who were currently vaping in Selangor, Malaysia. A quantitative survey design study was conducted among 348 respondents from the Faculty of Education using an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of five parts: Socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude, perception and willingness to quit vaping. Majority of the respondents (62.9%) passed the test on knowledge of vaping, with moderate attitude and perceptions towards vaping. More than 60% of the respondents had thoughts and intention to quit vaping. The MANOVA analysis showed no significant differences among the seven programs within the faculty towards knowledge, attitude, perception, and willingness, F (24, 640) = 1.239, p = .200, partial eta(2) = .044. However, the multivariate test between programs showed that there was a significant difference in willingness to quit vaping, F (6, 160) = 2.641, p = .018, partial eta(2) = .090. While awareness about vaping has increased, its widespread use remains concerning. Regulatory measures, such as fines for vaping on university grounds, are necessary to deter usage. Moreover, the university should improve cessation support with structured programs and campaigns, providing easy access to cessation treatments for students to seek for help.