BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette (E-cigarette) cessation programs should be specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of young adults. Exploring the experiences of vapers who have successfully quit e-cigarettes is crucial for designing effective, targeted intervention strategies. This study aimed to explore the experiences of university student who had successfully quit e-cigarettes, focusing on their motivations, challenges and obstacles faced during cessation, available support resources, and the key factors contributing to their success.
METHODS: A qualitative research methodology was employed, with key informants consisting of ten university students who had a history of e-cigarette use and had successfully quit for at least 6 months. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content and thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Two main motivations for quitting were experiencing severe negative health effects from e-cigarette use and being persuaded by loved ones to quit. The challenges and obstacles students faced during cessation included irritability, mood swings, a sense of having idle hands without their e-cigarettes, and the desire to vape when seeing others doing so. These symptoms typically occurred during the first 1–2 months after quitting. Most students managed these symptoms through various coping strategies, such as staying busy with activities like watching movies, sleeping, eating sweet foods, drinking coffee, sucking on candies, avoiding social gatherings with e-cigarette users, refraining from alcohol, and staying away from nighttime outings. Some students also received support from their friends and family. Perceived key factors contributing to their success in quitting included mental strength and strong determination.
CONCLUSIONS: Devastating health information shared by ex-vapers should be disseminated to other young adults in an age-appropriate and accessible manner to encourage them to quit e-cigarettes before facing severe health consequences. Additionally, smoking cessation programs should involve coordination with the significant others of vapers to provide continuous support and improve the chances of successful cessation.