Workplace Vaping Among Microbusiness Employees in Lipa City, Philippines: Prevalence, Attitudes, Symptoms and Policy Implications

The increasing use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes or vaping devices, has raised concerns about workplace exposure and employee health. This study assessed workplace vaping prevalence, attitudes toward workplace vaping, and self-reported symptoms among employees of microbusinesses in the West District of Lipa City, Batangas. A descriptive-comparative cross-sectional design was employed involving 380 employees selected through stratified random sampling. Respondents included non-users (51.6%, n = 196), exclusive vape users (29.7%, n = 113), and dual users of vape products and combustible cigarettes (18.7%, n = 71). Data were collected using the validated Vape Questionnaire, which demonstrated satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s α = .83–.95). The sample was predominantly male (59.2%) and aged 20–40 years (71.1%). Workplace vaping was commonly observed, particularly in enterprises with one to three workers (55.0%). Age was not significantly associated with workplace vaping prevalence (p = .411), attitudes (p = .162), or symptoms (p = .285). Males showed significantly more permissive attitudes toward workplace vaping than females (p = .011), although differences in prevalence (p = .278) and symptoms (p = .061) were not significant. Educational attainment significantly influenced attitudes (p < .001) and symptoms (p = .001), while average family monthly income was significantly associated with prevalence (p = .022), attitudes (p = .047), and symptoms (p = .004). No significant differences were observed across microbusiness types. Significant differences were found among non-users, vape users, and dual users in prevalence, attitudes, and symptoms (all p < .001). These findings highlight workplace vaping as an occupational health concern and support comprehensive vape-free workplace policies, health education, and cessation initiatives.