Personality Traits and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with the Use of E-Cigarettes, Waterpipe and Conventional Cigarettes among Medical University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of smokers in a private medical university in Malaysia and to examine whether there is an association between personality traits and various smoking types. There were 468 participants in this study and the mean age was 20.97 years (±2.743). The prevalence of conventical cigarette users, e-cigarette users, and water pipe users was 4.7%, 6.4%, and 4.0%, respectively. Parents’ annual income (p = 0.001) and ethnicity (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the current smoker group. Binary logistic regression modelling revealed that study participants with either Malay (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.73, 10.34) or Chinese (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.98, 8.73) ethnicity were approximately four times more likely to use tobacco products compared with study participants with Indian and Other ethnicities. Lower parents’ annual income was almost four times more likely to be associated with smoking behaviour (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.58, 9.27). Significant differences in mean personality traits score of Openness (p = 0.018) and Extraversion (p = 0.004) were observed between never-smoker and current smoker study participants. In addition, cigarette users scored higher in Conscientiousness personality traits compared with non-cigarette whereas e-cigarette users and waterpipe users scored lower in Extraversion (p = 0.02). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the never-smoker group scored higher in Extraversion compared with the dual tobacco user group (p = 0.03). In addition, the single tobacco user group scored higher in Agreeableness personality trait compared with the never-smoker group (p = 0.01). Deeper understanding of the different cognitive dimensions, ethnicities, and educational backgrounds can potentially impact smoking prevention and cessation programs.

Tobacco Use Status of Medical Faculty Students and Evaluation of Affecting Factors

“… 22 In a study in Malaysia in 2021, the prevalence of tobacco use was 10.3% (cigarettes: 4.7%, hookah: 4%, e-cigarettes: 6.4%). 23 The prevalence of tobacco use in this study seems to be higher than in other studies. It is thought that the higher rate of males in this study compared to other studies and the prevalence of the use of other tobacco products may cause this situation.…”

Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Personality Traits on the Psychological Well-Being of University Students in Malaysia

“…Therefore, it is essential to account for cultural differences when analysing individual personality trait differences. Several studies have been conducted on personality traits among university students in Malaysia (Chung et al, 2019;Sam et al 2022;Yusoff et al, 2013Yusoff et al, & 2021Zainah et al, 2019;Shen et al, 2022;Abdollahi et al, 2022;Lei et al, 2020;Bhagat et al, 2019). Scholars reveal that students differ in their personality traits.…”