BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: Evidence has shown that e-cigarettes are unsafe for adolescents. However, the use of e-cigarettes has gained worldwide popularity among adolescents including Indians and it is important to address their cessation requirements. There are very limited cessation programs designed to address and support the increasing number of adolescent E-cigarette users.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: LifeFirst, a school-based cessation programme was implemented in 2023-24 in 100 municipal and Government-aided schools in Mumbai. An orientation session was conducted for all the students of 7^th to 9^th standards to create awareness about ill-effects of e-cigarettes and to encourage the current users to voluntary register for cessation services. Three theme-based group counselling sessions were conducted with the voluntarily registered students and at each session e-cigarette status was monitored and recorded. The sessions covered topics like harmful impact of e-cigarette and nicotine and refusal skills.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: 8124 students attended the sensitization sessions. The prevalence of E-cigarette users among boys was 9% (394) and girls was 2% (63). All 457 (6% prevalence overall) users voluntarily registered for the LifeFirst programme. At the end of program, 287 (63%) stopping using e-cigarettes. 38 (60%) of the registered girls and 249 (63%) of the registered boys self-reported stopping e-cigarette use. 61% of the registered users from 7^th std, 62% from 8^th and 65% from 9^th std stopped using e-cigarettes.
CONCLUSIONS: Creating awareness about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes among adolescents is required and this can promote cessation. Targeted specific behavioral interventions are required to support the current E-cigarette users. School based E-cigarette cessation interventions for adolescents are feasible and impactful.