Young adults' intention to quit using JUUL

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Control
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Research suggests young audiences desire to quit using JUUL, a high-nicotine e-cigarette.
• Understanding motivations for quitting JUUL is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors motivating young adults to quit using JUUL.
• To identify perceived age thresholds and social implications of JUUL use.

Main Methods:

• Sequential mixed-methods study: online survey (n=631) followed by interviews (n=51).
• Latent class analysis (LCA) identified quitting motivations.
• Qualitative interviews explored perceptions of preliminary findings and future use.

Main Results:

• Four classes emerged: costs to self (46.8%), financial costs (36.6%), all costs (9.3%), and harm to self (7.3%).
• Interviewees desired to quit, particularly post-college.
• Few participants perceived an age limit for JUUL use, but noted social stigma for adults not quitting smoking.

Conclusions:

• Nicotine dependence in young adults requires comprehensive tobacco control strategies.
• Taxation, marketing regulations, and cessation programs are vital for quitting high-nicotine e-cigarettes.