Youth perspectives on how social influences impacted nicotine vaping cessation: A qualitative thematic analysis

It is well known that social influences play a major role in nicotine vaping uptake among youth. However, little is known about how these influences play a role in nicotine vaping cessation. This research article examines the complex social influences on youth nicotine vaping cessation.

Following a qualitative descriptive design, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth ages 16 to 24 who had experiences with nicotine vaping and cessation. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to extract themes.

Four key themes emerged, including (1) limited effect of social networks on decision to quit; (2) nicotine vaping/ex-nicotine vaping community influences nicotine vaping cessation journeys; (3) seeking support from social networks may be contingent on the nature of the relationship; and (4) normalization of nicotine vaping cessation could be helpful in nicotine vaping cessation journeys.

This study underscores a crucial gap in existing cessation interventions, which often overlook the social dimensions of quitting, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive programs that normalize cessation, reduce stigma, and promote supportive environments. Policies and programs would benefit from fostering social norms that support quitting behaviors and creating accessible resources to empower youth in their cessation journeys.