Experiences and Perceptions of E-Cigarette Cessation for Young Adults in Rural Communities

Abstract

Background Electronic nicotine delivery systems, also known as e-cigarettes, are the most commonly used tobacco products among young adults in the United States. Young adults in rural areas have a higher prevalence of ENDS use compared to their urban counterparts yet there is limited evidence regarding the in-depth understanding of experiences and perspectives directly from young adults. Objectives To explore individual experiences and perspectives about use and cessation of electronic nicotine delivery systems from young adults in rural areas. Methods This was a qualitative study using interpretive description for analysis. Young adults (18-24 years) who used electronic nicotine delivery systems very day but not other tobacco products (cigarettes, smokeless, etc.) in the past month and had an address in a rural county of Wisconsin were eligible; there were nine participants interviewed using Zoom. Interview questions focused on initial use, maintenance of use, experiences of quitting, and social and rural environmental contexts regarding electronic nicotine delivery systems. Results Three themes emerged with eight categories: (1) addiction to electronic nicotine delivery systems and health; (2) cessation and resources; and (3) rural environment and culture in electronic nicotine delivery systems addiction. Discussion Findings have implications for electronic nicotine delivery systems cessation interventions targeting YAs in rural areas.