Modifying Tobacco and Cannabis Waste Perceptions and Behavior Among Young Adults: Protocol for a Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Tobacco, e-cigarette, and cannabis waste (TECW) poses significant environmental and health risks.
• There is a need to increase awareness and understanding of TECW harms and engage with regulatory policies.
• This study is the first to test an intervention targeting TECW knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the efficacy of an intervention in modifying young adults' knowledge, harm perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding TECW.
• To develop an evidence-based educational intervention for community programs to address TECW.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on engagement with smoke- and vape-free campus policies.

Main Methods:

• A 6-week randomized controlled trial with 406 university students (aged 18-25).
• Comparison of brief TECW education (TECW Ed) versus TECW education plus motivational and behavioral support (TECW Ed+).
• Outcome measures include changes in knowledge, harm perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, and policy engagement, with data analysis planned for late 2025.

Main Results:

• Data collection occurred from March 2023 to June 2025; analysis is ongoing.
• Anticipated results will indicate if enhanced education increases TECW knowledge and positive perceptions of cigarettes and vape products.
• The study will determine if enhanced education improves acceptance of and engagement with smoke- and vape-free policies.

Conclusions:

• The trial aims to determine if motivational and behavioral support enhances young adults' knowledge of TECW and encourages engagement with relevant policies.
• Successful intervention scaling could mobilize young adults to advocate for policies protecting individual and environmental health.
• This research addresses a critical gap in understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of smoking and vaping waste.