Ivan Martin, “Exploring Motivations Behind Vaping Cessation Among Young Adults in Rural Areas”
Mentor: Joshua Gwon, Nursing
Poster #92
The “Vaping Cessation for Young Adults (YAs) in Rural Areas” study aims to investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a text message-based e-cigarette cessation intervention for YAs in rural areas. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which binds to specific receptors in the brain structure, triggering the release of various neurotransmitters. This release leads to the reinforcing effects that contribute to addiction. E-cigarette use rates among YAs, particularly in rural communities, have reached alarming levels. Our current study is of paramount importance as it seeks to address the need for effective cessation interventions tailored to the unique challenges faced by rural populations. Grounded in preliminary study insights and guided by Transtheoretical Model behavior change constructs, our team developed a text messaging e-cigarette cessation intervention program. This is a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of the targeted intervention through text message support, multiple evaluations, salivary cotinine testing for cessation verification, and monetary compensation. These methods are used to collect participants’ cessation outcomes and encourage participation. Participation criteria encompasses YAs (18-24 years) living in rural counties of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, where e-cigarette prevalence is higher than national average. Interested individuals are invited to a comprehensive Zoom session for informed consent before being randomized into either the treatment (intervention) or control (standard care) group. Intervention group participants receive automated text messages for 8 weeks, while the standard care group receives a short message with a link to national e-cigarette cessation resources during the same period. The outcomes of this study focus on the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the intervention and can have a significant impact on public health, tobacco cessation science, and tobacco control policy by providing evidence for e-cigarette cessation among YAs in rural areas.