How should a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention be delivered? A qualitative study

Tessa Langley; Emily Young; Abby Hunter; Manpreet Bains

doi:10.1093/ntr/ntad236

How should a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention be delivered? A qualitative study

Nicotine Tob Res. 2023 Dec 9:ntad236. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntad236. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Tessa Langley¹, Emily Young², Abby Hunter³, Manpreet Bains⁴

Affiliations

¹ Nottingham Centre for Public Health and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG5 1PB & SPECTRUM Consortium, UK.
² Sheffield Hallam University, Collegiate Crescent Campus, Sheffield.
³ Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Seaton House, Nottingham.
⁴ Nottingham Centre for Public Health and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham.

PMID: 38069625
DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad236

Abstract

Introduction: Encouraging smokers to quit smoking tobacco using e-cigarettes could substantially reduce smoking-related diseases. Vape shops therefore have the potential to play an important role in supporting smoking cessation. The aim of this study was to explore how to deliver a vape shop-based smoking cessation intervention in the United Kingdom.

Method: Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with four stakeholder groups: 20 stop smoking service (SSS) providers, seven tobacco control leads (TCL), seven smokers/vapers and five vape shop staff). Interviews were analysed thematically.

Results: Stakeholder groups were positive about the idea of delivering a vape shop-based intervention. Themes that were identified were the characteristics of the intervention (duration and timing; delivery; style and content; and product provisions); barriers to the intervention (challenges for new vapers; false information; tobacco company involvement; and conflicts of interest); facilitators to the intervention (positive views on vaping; cost-effectiveness; popularity; and accessibility); and considerations for the intervention (data protection and privacy; aesthetics; and regulation and management). The results suggest that the intervention should be delivered by vape shop workers with mandatory training with the support of SSS. Most stakeholders agreed quitting vaping was not a priority, but that information on how to reduce nicotine use should be given. Concerns around privacy, GDPR, misinformation about vaping and tobacco company involvement would need to be addressed.

Conclusions: Stakeholders agree that vape shops should offer stop smoking interventions and hold similar opinions on how this should be delivered.

Implications: This study suggests that smokers, vapers and other key stakeholders are positive about the idea of a stop smoking vape-shop based intervention and that they hold similar opinions on how this should be delivered. Most participants felt that this should be primarily delivered by trained vape shop staff and run with support from SSS. Participants agreed that a stop smoking vape shop-based intervention should be flexible in terms of the type, duration and frequency of support provided, and that the intervention should comprise both technical guidance on using a vape and behavioural support to prevent a return to smoking.

Keywords: qualitative; smoking cessation; vape shops; vaping.

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