Quitting intentions and behaviours among young Australian e-cigarette users

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Substance Use Research

Background:

• E-cigarette use is rising among Australian youth.
• Research on cessation interventions for young people is limited.
• Understanding factors influencing quitting is crucial for public health efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the desire to quit and actual quitting attempts among young Australian e-cigarette users.
• To explore individual, social, and environmental factors associated with quitting cognitions and behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted.
• Participants included 602 Australian e-cigarette users aged 14-25.
• Data collected on desire to quit, quit attempts, harm perceptions, perceived appeal, social norms, and access.

Main Results:

• 61% desired to quit vaping; 55% attempted to quit.
• Easy access to vapes was linked to lower quitting desire and attempts.
• Perceived addiction and mental health risks were positively associated with quitting desire/attempts.
• Perceiving vaping as common and appealing reduced desire to quit.
• School-based education was associated with increased quit attempts.

Conclusions:

• A majority of young Australians desire to quit vaping and have attempted to do so.
• Educating youth on physical and mental health risks may promote quitting.
• Interventions should consider addressing social norms, product accessibility, and appeal.