Exploring Vaping Cessation App Use Among Youth: Qualitative Descriptive Study
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By
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Karlee Fonteyne
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Mischa Taylor
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Roula Nawara
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Danielle Rodberg
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Tina Afshar
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Laura Struik
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June 5, 2026
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Objective:
To explore youth users’ perceptions and experiences with using vaping cessation mobile apps.
Key Findings:
- Youth are drawn to vaping for stress relief, enjoyment, curiosity, and social influences.
- Many youth express interest in quitting but face obstacles such as limited access to cessation resources.
- Most vaping cessation apps lack critical behavior change elements and do not reflect the unique needs of youth who vape.
- Engagement with vaping cessation apps remains low despite high smartphone usage among youth.
Interpretation:
Insights from youth are crucial for developing effective vaping cessation interventions that align with their behavioral and technological needs.
Limitations:
- The study may not capture the full range of experiences from all youth due to purposive sampling.
- Findings are based on subjective accounts, which may not be generalizable.
Conclusion:
The study contributes to understanding how to tailor digital health interventions for youth to effectively support vaping cessation.
