Longitudinal correlates of quitting e-cigarettes in the United States

E-cigarette use has risen markedly among young adults, despite efforts to curb this trend. To inform future programs and policies, we sought to identify longitudinal correlates of quitting e-cigarette use in the United States (US).

The study design was longitudinal. A nationally representative sample of 1138 US adults and adolescents who used e-cigarettes took a baseline online survey between Nov 2022 and Jan 2023. Six months later, 844 respondents completed a follow-up survey. Analyses used weighted simultaneous multivariable logistic regression that included demographic and vaping characteristics assessed at baseline to predict quitting e-cigarettes at 6-month follow-up.

At 6-month follow up, 15 % of respondents had quit e-cigarettes. Quitting was associated with having stronger quit intentions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.49, 95 % CI = 1.09, 2.04), occasional use (aOR = 5.93, 95 % CI = 3.11, 11.30), and lower nicotine dependence (aOR = 2.56, 95 % CI = 1.38, 4.76). Quitting was also more common among gay, lesbian, or bisexual respondents than straight respondents (22 % vs. 13 %, aOR = 2.20, 95 % CI = 1.10, 4.38) and females than males (18 % vs. 11 %, OR 1.88; 95 % CI 1.06, 3.34).

Greater motivation to quit and lower markers of nicotine dependence were associated with quitting vaping at 6 months. Interventions focused on reducing nicotine dependence and increasing quit intentions, especially among daily users, could support e-cigarette cessation.