Factors Associated with Exposure to Tobacco Advertising or Promotion Among Male Population Aged 15 Years Old Above in Malaysia

Introduction Tobacco advertisings and/or promotions are prohibited in Malaysia as stipulated in Part II & III of Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 [CTPR], Food Act 1983 (Act 281) [FA]. However, any packaging or wrapping contains tobacco products on or inside it are not considered to be violating CTPR . This exception was confirmed by WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), where in Malaysia all tobacco advertisings, promotions and sponsorships are comprehensively banned except for tobacco product displays at point of sales as well as nor it is covering cross-border advertising originating from Malaysia (for exportation purpose) . Therefore, tobacco advertising or promotion still exists in this country. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the exposure to tobacco advertising or promotion among male population aged 15 years old and above in Malaysia. Materials and Methods We’re using secondary data from National Health & Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 conducted between July 14, 2019 until September 30, 2019 using face-to-face interview or self-administered questionnaires. The survey was cross-sectional nationwide population-based with two stages stratified random sampling methods. “Exposure to tobacco advertising” was defined as either the respondents noticed any advertisement or sign promoting cigarettes in stores where cigarettes are sold within the past 30 days from the data collection. “Exposure to one of the tobacco promotions” was defined as either the respondents noticed any tobacco promotions (free samples of cigarettes, cigarettes at sale prices, coupons for cigarettes, free gifts or special discount offers on other products when buying cigarettes, clothing or other items with a cigarette brand name or logo, or cigarette promotions in the mail) within the past 30 days from the data collection. Data were analysed using complex sampling design and multiple logistic regressions. Results [Refer to Poster]. Discussion Among all types of exposures to tobacco advertising or promotion of male aged 15+ years in Malaysia, the exposure to any advertisement or signs promoting cigarettes in stores where cigarettes are sold ranked the highest (17.6%). This result was consistent with other survey conducted in Vietnam where the highest type of exposure to tobacco advertising and promotion was points of sale (8.6%). Respondents within younger age group (15-34 years old) are two times more likely to exposed to tobacco advertising or promotion compared to the eldest age group (65 years old and above). Younger age group is major target client for tobacco industry thus more attractive advertising or promotion improvised to tackle this group’s sight especially in the store selling tobacco product. This study found that respondent with higher educational background are more prone to the exposure to tobacco advertising or promotion as compared to those with lower educational background. This is similar to the findings in Vietnam but contradict to the findings in Hong Kong and United States . Based on ethnicity,Malay and other Bumiputra were more likely to be exposed to tobacco adevertising or promotion compared with Chinese ethnic in Malaysia. As strongly agreed by most of the studies, current smokers were more likely to be exposed with tobacco advertising or promotion. Tobacco advertising or promotion contributes to the consumption of cigarettes as it increasing the desire to use the advertised tobacco products and discouraging smoking cessation especially among current smoker. Conclusion and Recommendation Although prohibited by CTPR 2004 but with an exception, Malaysian male population aged 15 and above is still exposed with the tobacco advertisements or promotions. An immediate revision of the law is required so that strictly enforcement can be done to bring down this matter to zero exposure to the population