Adapting an Intervention for Vaping in Young Veterans

Use of electronic nicotine products (ENDS) has increased dramatically especially among young adults (EA- aged 18-30) and has been found to lead to immediate harmful health effects and increased addiction to combustible cigarette use. To date no research-tested interventions have been developed for helping people stop use of electronic nicotine products. Emerging adulthood is a developmental period that can lead to adoption of health risk behaviors.

This proposal aims to address nicotine addiction by adapting an evidence-based counseling cessation intervention developed by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for a general population of combustible tobacco smokers, but found to be effective in EA. We will test two methods of providing counseling to participants: video telehealth or telephone. Primary outcome: Compared to self-help guide only, at 3 month follow-up, we hypothesize that participants in either counseling arm will have higher rates as compared to self-help only control of 7-day abstinence from using any nicotine product.

This study fills a critical gap in ENDS research and will provide a model for further research into all-nicotine cessation in this vulnerable population.

Inclusion criteria

• daily e-cigarette user for at least the past 6 months
• 18-30 years old
• willing to enroll in a program to quit nicotine use within 30 days
• owns smartphone or computer/tablet with camera and internet connectivity
• English speaker

Exclusion criteria

• ICD-10 diagnosis of dementia
• current use of combustible tobacco products at least weekly