BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: With the rise in e-cigarette (vape) adoption in Singapore, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) recognised the need to adapt its cessation services to support e-cigarette users. Two key programmes, the I QUIT cessation counselling programme and QuitLine tele-counselling, were enhanced to address evolving social behaviours and national policy shifts.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: Launched in 2013, I QUIT began as a 28-day challenge supported by SMS reminders, ad hoc QuitLine services, and community pharmacy consultations. Recognising the need for stronger, long-term support, the programme incorporated addiction-level surveys, expanded counselling pathways (SMS, phone, face-to-face), and six months of relapse prevention follow-ups in 2021.
In 2022, participant feedback and national initiatives inspired further enhancements, including online post-programme cotinine evaluations and plans to integrate addiction assessments with primary care under the Healthier SG initiative. By 2024, the integration was implemented, allowing addiction profiles to be shared with family physicians, enabling more holistic care for participants. Relapse follow-ups were also extended to 12 months.
To better support e-cigarette users in 2024, a profiling tool was added alongside the Fagerstrom test, vaper-centric counselling guides were introduced, and a youth virtual counselling cessation pilot was launched in schools to strengthen engagement.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: These adjustments yielded encouraging results, with quit rates increasing from 28.7% to 37.8% in 2021 and from 12.4% to 13.7% in 2022. Data on outcomes for e-cigarette users is forthcoming.
CONCLUSIONS: Tailored, behaviour-informed approaches have proven effective in enhancing cessation outcomes in Singapore. Integrating cessation efforts with primary care under the Healthier SG initiative ensures comprehensive, sustained support for participants. As e-cigarette use continues to rise, the programme’s innovative adaptations, including vaper-centric counselling and youth engagement, offer scalable, impactful solutions. These measures highlight the importance of evolving cessation strategies to address emerging challenges and drive societal norm shifts against tobacco and nicotine use.