Wisconsin Adolescents' Attitudes, Beliefs, Motivations, and Behaviors Surrounding E-Cigarette Use and Cessation

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most common tobacco product used by adolescents, yet no evidence-based cessation treatment for adolescents exists.

Methods: Wisconsin residents aged 13 to 17 (N = 227) completed an online survey assessing e-cigarette use, knowledge, motivations around using and quitting, and recommendations for cessation intervention content.

Results: Most of our sample never vaped (76.2%), reporting concerns with health effects and addiction as motivations preventing initiation. Among adolescents who used e-cigarettes, friend use was the main motivation for initiation, and mental health symptoms promoted ongoing use. Motivations for quitting included health harms, cost, and addiction.

Conclusions: This study identified various topics that motivate and demotivate e-cigarette use among adolescents. This information can be incorporated into prevention and treatment strategies tailored to adolescents.