Vape store density and proximity to schools in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) use among youth in Indonesia is rising, and there is no regulation surrounding sale of e-cigarettes. This study aims to map the distribution and density of vape stores and their proximity to schools and cafes as well as assess selling of e-cigarettes to youth under 18 years in Denpasar, Bali.

Using QGIS V.3.18.1 software, we conducted a geographic mapping of all vape stores followed by a survey of the retailers (n=107). Data were collected in April 2022. Several measures explored included retailers' density based on the size and population of subdistricts, retailers' proximity to school. Retailers were asked about selling to youth under 18 years, then its association with distance to schools and other variables were explored.

We mapped 122 vape stores across Denpasar city with a density of 1.56 per km² of the occupied land for housing, 0.16 stores per 1000 total population and 1.06 stores per 1000 youth population. More than a quarter of the schools (28.3%) and the universities (25.6%) had at least one vape store in 250 m radius, while 97.2% of the stores were within 500 m of a café. Of the 107 vape store retailers interviewed, almost half (43.9%) reported selling vapes to youth under 18 years.

Retail availability of e-cigarettes will contribute to the increasing use of this product, especially without a minimum legal sales age. The government should urgently prohibit selling to youth, regulate e-cigarette advertising, promotion and sponsorship and prohibit e-cigarette use where conventional smoking is prohibited.