Belief and Attitude of Primary Healthcare Providers Toward Electronic Cigarettes in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Indonesia faces high burden on health and socio-economic from smoking. Besides conventional cigarettes, there is an increasing use of electronic cigarettes. This study aims to explore primary health professionals’ belief and attitude toward electronic cigarettes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Bali, Indonesia between October, and November 2021. A 185 sample of general practitioners (GP) and dentists working at primary health care were invited through consecutive and snowballing technique. Variables collected during the study were sociodemographic and clinical practice characteristics, smoking status, intention to quit smoking and, their belief and attitude toward electronic cigarettes. Data was analyzed descriptively. Results: The average age of the primary health care providers involved in the study was 37.65 years, 60% of them were female and a GP with median length of professional works 10 years. Only 3 (1.62%) were current smokers and 6 (3.24%) were ex-smokers, while 0.54% reported using electronic cigarettes. The majority of respondents agreed in the negative impacts of electronic cigarettes, however, 11.9% of them agree that electronic cigarettes are less dangerous than conventional cigarettes, 13.4% agree it can be used as smoking cessation and 9.2% agree that it should be recommended as a substitute of smoking. Conclusion: Primary health care professionals viewed electronic cigarettes as potential risk for health but some of them have neutral and less positive attitude, therefore, it is necessary to provide adequate information based on the growing evidence of negative impacts of electronic cigarettes.