Vaping Addiction in Southeast Asia: A Growing Public Health Concern

Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, has witnessed a remarkable surge in vaping addiction among young people. Initially conceived as a way to help smokers quit, vaping has evolved into a thriving cultural phenomenon, with trendy vape cafes, massive trade shows, and a burgeoning online and offline community. However, amidst the glamour lies a growing health crisis. This essay will explore the prevalence of vaping addiction in Southeast Asia, its associated factors, and the potential health burden Indonesia may face in the next decade.

Prevalence of Vaping Addiction

Studies have shown that vaping addiction is a significant public health concern in Southeast Asia. According to a systematic review published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the prevalence of current e-cigarette smoking among adolescents in Indonesia ranges from 10.7% to 11.8%[2]. This is a staggering figure, especially considering that most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain[2].

Associated Factors

Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of vaping addiction among young people in Southeast Asia. Sociodemographic factors, such as peer and parental influence, knowledge and perception of e-cigarettes, and accessibility of e-cigarettes, play a significant role[2]. Additionally, the ease of access to e-cigarettes, particularly through online sellers and popular messaging platforms, has contributed to the proliferation of vaping addiction[1].

Health Burden

The health burden associated with vaping addiction is substantial. Vaping has been linked to various health risks, including pulmonary dysfunction, oxidative stress, and lung injury (EVALI)[4]. Moreover, vaping has been shown to be a gateway to more dangerous substance abuse, with many users progressing to nicotine and other harmful substances[1].

Indonesia’s Response

Indonesia has implemented several measures to control vaping addiction, including heavy taxes on e-cigarette liquids and requirements for detailed product information[5]. However, the country’s response has been criticized for being inadequate, with many e-cigarette users still accessing the products through underground markets and online sellers[1].

Future Health Burden

The future health burden associated with vaping addiction in Indonesia is likely to be significant. As the trend of vaping addiction continues to rise, the country can expect to see an increase in nicotine addiction, lung injury, and other health risks associated with vaping. Moreover, the lack of effective regulation and control measures will likely exacerbate the problem, leading to a growing public health crisis.

Conclusion

Vaping addiction is a growing public health concern in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. The high prevalence of vaping addiction among young people, coupled with the associated health risks, poses a significant threat to public health. To mitigate this threat, Indonesia must implement more effective regulation and control measures, including stricter laws, increased taxation, and public awareness campaigns. Only through a comprehensive approach can the country hope to reduce the health burden associated with vaping addiction and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.

Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNpyrrpbR4c
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10001692/
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336053910_E-cigarettes_in_ten_Southeast_Asian_countries_a_comparison_of_national_regulations
[4] https://e-journal.unair.ac.id/JR/article/download/45216/24825
[5] https://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.org/Relieving-or-Aggravating-the-Burden-Non-Communicable-Diseases-NCDs-of-Electronic,175755,0,2.html
[6] https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3248267/southeast-asia-gets-grips-vaping-gen-z-piles-puff-i-thought-it-was-cool
[7] http://ictoh-tcscindonesia.com/e-cigarettes-use-intensity-behavior-and-nicotine-addiction-among-young-users-in-bali-indonesia-2/
[8] https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/20-02-2024-accelerate-tobacco-and-e-cigarette-control-measures-who
[9] https://brieflands.com/articles/ijhrba-133660
[10] https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2024/04/27/regulating-vape-retail-market-can-reduce-smoking-epidemic.html
[11] https://sph.nus.edu.sg/2023/03/smoke-and-mirrors-southeast-asias-vaping-crisis/
[12] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369635038_Smoking_Vaping_Behavior_and_the_Experience_of_Depressive_Symptoms_Among_High_School_Students_in_Jakarta_Indonesia
[13] https://www.who.int/news/item/14-12-2023-urgent-action-needed-to-protect-children-and-prevent-the-uptake-of-e-cigarettes
[14] https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14886-z
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9824992/
[16] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/vaping-among-youth-in-singapore-the-real-damage-it-is-doing-to-their-bodies
[17] https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/ijamh-2019-0172/html
[18] https://indianexpress.com/article/world/tobacco-e-cigarette-control-measures-who-southeast-asian-countries-9171119/
[19] https://herminahospitals.com/en/articles/waspada-bahaya-vape-atau-rokok-eletronik-bagi-kesehatan.html
[20] https://asianews.network/regulating-vape-retail-market-can-reduce-smoking-epidemic/