Experiences and Perceptions of E-Cigarette Cessation for Young Adults in Rural Communities

Background Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as e-cigarettes, are the most commonly used tobacco products among young adults in the United States. Young adults in rural areas have a higher prevalence of ENDS use compared to their urban counterparts, yet there is limited evidence regarding the in-depth understanding of experiences and perspectives directly from young adults. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore individual experiences and perspectives about use and cessation of ENDS from young adults in rural areas. Methods This was a qualitative study using interpretive description for analysis. Young adults (18–24 years) who used ENDS every day but not other tobacco products (cigarettes, smokeless, etc.) in the past month and had an address in a rural county of Wisconsin were eligible; there were nine participants interviewed using Zoom. Interview questions focused on initial use, maintenance of use, experiences of quitting, and social and rural environmental contexts regarding ENDS. Results Three themes emerged with eight categories: (a) addiction to ENDS and health, (b) cessation and resources, and (c) rural environment and culture in ENDS addiction. Discussion Findings have implications for ENDS cessation interventions targeting young adults in rural areas.