Enhancing Text Message Support With Media Literacy and Financial Incentives for Vaping Cessation in Young Adults:...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• High prevalence of e-cigarette use among young adults presents a public health challenge.
• Limited effective vaping cessation programs exist for this demographic.
• This study addresses the need for evidence-based interventions for young adult vaping cessation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the design of a pilot randomized controlled trial.
• To assess the feasibility of media literacy education and financial incentives.
• To determine if these interventions enhance text message support for vaping abstinence in young adults.

Main Methods:

• A 4-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design.
• Recruited 40 young adults (19-29 years) interested in quitting e-cigarettes.
• Interventions included text message support, media literacy, financial incentives, or a combination, over 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Recruitment occurred from December 2023 to August 2024.
• 40 participants were randomized across four groups.
• Data analysis is ongoing; final assessments completed November 2024.

Conclusions:

• The trial's findings will offer insights into designing and implementing vaping cessation strategies.
• Results could inform future interventions targeting young adult e-cigarette users.
• This research contributes to understanding effective methods for promoting vaping abstinence.