The Distribution of Public Tobacco Cessation Clinics in Relation to the Socioeconomic Status of the Malaysian Population

Abstract

Objective: To identify, locate, and examine the distribution of public tobacco cessation clinics in all Malaysian states using a Geographical Information System (GIS) and determine the relationship between the distribution of public tobacco cessation clinics and the population's socioeconomic status. Material and Methods: All registered public tobacco cessation clinics in each state were identified through the mQuit website. Based on the extracted addresses, each clinic's coordinates (longitudes and latitudes) were traced using Google Maps and transferred into Geographical Information System (GIS) for mapping purposes. Results: Wilayah Persekutuan (W.P.) Kuala Lumpur recorded the lowest ratio of public tobacco cessation clinics to the number of smokers, with 1:25,265 (one clinic to 25,265 smokers), while the highest ratio was in W.P. Putrajaya, with 1:2,118. In relation to socioeconomic status, the highest mean household income was recorded in W.P. Kuala Lumpur (mean gross income: RM 11,692), the same state with the lowest ratio of public tobacco cessation clinics. In contrast, Kelantan had the lowest mean household income (mean gross income: RM 4,214), and the ratio of public tobacco cessation clinics to the number of smokers was 1:8,383. The distribution of public tobacco cessation clinics was highly concentrated in the capital area compared to other areas in Malaysia. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the distribution of public tobacco cessation clinics using GIS. The findings showed an unequal distribution of public tobacco cessation clinics, with low distribution, especially in Sabah and W.P. Kuala Lumpur.