Ex-Vapers’ Perspectives on Helpful and Unhelpful Influences During Their Quit Journeys

Mohammed Al-Hamdani, Courtney McKay, Katelynn Carter-Rogers and Steven Smith ()
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Mohammed Al-Hamdani: Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
Courtney McKay: Department of Psychology, Saint Mary’s University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada
Katelynn Carter-Rogers: Department of Management, St. Francis Xavier University, 4130 University Ave, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada
Steven Smith: Department of Psychology, Saint Mary’s University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, Canada

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-13

Abstract: There is limited understanding of what influences vaping cessation, especially as vaping regulations change, and different jurisdictions have different regulations. This study involves 281 ex-vapers (16–24 years) from Nova Scotia, Canada. A content analysis was used to understand and compare youth and young adults’ (YA) experiences of quitting vaping. Both helpful and unhelpful factors for quitting vaping were identified; each category had five themes and twenty-one sub-themes. Helpful factors were consistent across both age categories and included planned and unplanned vaping control interventions, health concerns, social support, evidence-based support, and unassisted quitting methods. Similarly, the five themes identified as unhelpful factors were consistent for both age groups: negative personal implications, negative social influences, planned and unplanned vaping control interventions, the side effects of previous use, and simultaneous and alternative substance use. Policies that limit access and raise awareness about lung health and well-being can help youth quit vaping. For YAs, increasing awareness about social support and health concerns is crucial. Raising e-cigarette costs and reducing vaping normalization supports quitting for YAs. Stress reduction and training to handle social pressure could aid youth, while YAs might benefit from treatment for other substance use to help with nicotine quitting.

Keywords: ex-vapers; quitting behaviors; policy change; vaping cessation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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