Vaping among youth: reasons, realization and intention to quit

Abstract

Purpose Vaping has become a prominent public health problem that has impacted young adults. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the effects of different intrinsic and extrinsic motivations on young adults’ realization of excessive vaping and their intention to quit vaping. Design/methodology/approach A survey was used to collect data from 232 young vapers (primarily Generation Z and Millennials) to test the hypothesized relationships using a covariance-based structural equation model. Findings The findings of this study suggest that “realization of excessive vaping” is negatively associated with “sensation seeking” and positively associated with “deal proneness,” “environmental cues” and “negative repercussion.” The “intention to quit vaping” is negatively associated with “marketing cues” and positively associated with “alternative to smoking” and “environmental cues.” Finally, the “realization of excessive vaping” is positively associated with “intention to quit vaping.” Originality/value This study takes a two-dimensional approach to understand the complex motivations behind a relatively new addictive behavior – vaping. It contributes to the literature of addictive behavior, social cognitive theory and theory of planned behavior. Further, it has important implications for public policy and the marketing of addictive products to youths.

Examining Intention to Quit Vaping among Australian Young Adults Using Social Cognitive Theory: A Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis

“…This contrasts with previous research, which found no significant association between subjective social norms and quit intention [20], or perceived disapproval of e-cigarette use with interest in quitting [20]. Our findings indicate the power of social norms in influencing vaping behaviours, as has previously been demonstrated with vaping initiation [43,44] and the association of higher use of e-cigarettes in US populations [31]. Therefore, in order to discourage the uptake of vaping and facilitate quit intention, vaping cessation programs and public health campaigns need to de-normalise vaping as was previously successful with cigarette smoking [45].…”