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

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), 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: The aim of this study was to explore individual experiences and perspectives about use and cessation of ENDS from young adults in rural areas. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using interpretive description for analysis. Young adults (18-24 years) who used ENDS every 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 ENDS. RESULTS: Three themes emerged with eight categories (a) addiction to ENDS and health, (b) cessation and resources, and (c) rural environment and culture in ENDS addiction. DISCUSSION: Findings have implications for ENDS cessation interventions targeting young adults in rural areas.