Pharmacotherapy and Behavioral Cessation Methods Used by Adolescents Who Vape Nicotine

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the use of pharmacotherapy and behavioral cessation methods among U.S. adolescents who vape nicotine.

Design

Cross-sectional Analysis of Wave 7 data From the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study.

Setting

United States.

Sample

Adolescents aged 12-17 years (N = 1181) who reported past-year nicotine vaping.

Measures

Self-reported use of cessation methods (apps, nicotine replacement therapy [NRT], cessation medications) and past-year quit attempts.

Analysis

Descriptive statistics and weighted logistic regression models using STATA 18.0, with significance set at alpha <0.05.

Results

Overall, 10.6% of adolescents reported using any cessation therapy, with NRTs being the most commonly used cessation method (4.4%), while medications (i.e., Varenicline or Bupropion) were the least commonly used method (3.3%). Adolescents with higher nicotine dependence (wanting to vape within 30 minutes of waking) (aOR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.49, 5.36) and those planning to quit within 12 months (aOR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.20) had higher odds of using any cessation therapy. Among racial ethnic groups, Hispanic adolescents (vs. non-Hispanic White; aOR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.86) had lower odds of reporting any cessation therapy.

Conclusion

Among U.S. youth who vape e-cigarettes, about 1 in 10 self-reported using any cessation aid. This low utilization rate suggests a need for tailored and equitable cessation interventions.