'Run out of puff': Survey of techniques to quit nicotine vaping

The New Zealand (NZ) government quickly identified the role e-cigarettes (ECs) have as a reduced-harm product to help smokers switch away from tobacco. ECs are included as an option in NZs smoking cessation treatment guidelines, and clear messaging regarding their use is promoted by NZ health authorities (https://vapingfacts.health.nz). The first ECs delivered nicotine at similar levels to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, but with rapid product innovation, new pod-based devices using nicotine salts deliver nicotine at levels comparable to that of smoked tobacco. Given the long-term health effects of EC use remain uncertain and that not vaping (use of an EC) or smoking is ideal from a public health perspective, it’s important to offer support to people who wish to switch from ECs to no product use. However, little evidence exists on the best way to support people to move away from ECs, and no data exists for NZ. We have therefore designed a survey to collect information from vapers and ex-vapers about enablers and barriers to becoming vape-free.