Identifying Beliefs Associated with the Intention to Use Electronic Cigarettes by Wisconsin Preadolescents using the Reasoned Action Approach

Abstract

Objectives: With over 3.6 million young adults using vaping devices in 2020, targeted interventions for specific sub-populations are needed for prevention. This study identified the association between Southcentral Wisconsin preadolescents’ beliefs and vaping with the intent of using the results to design targeted messages.Methods: A mixed methods design based on the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) was used to investigate preadolescents’ (aged 11-13) intentions to vape using three distinct steps. First, an open-ended belief elicitation survey to identify vaping beliefs; the results were the basis to identify beliefs among a large representative sample; lastly, focus group interviews enhanced the understanding of the beliefs. Qualitative data were coded using the RAA framework. Descriptive statistics reported means and standard deviations for continuous measures, and counts and percentages for categorical measures. Results: Fifteen students completed Step 1 which generated belief-based responses. Thirty-eight students participated in Step 2 with key findings of health risks and family approval to be most value. The National Youth Tobacco Survey (2019) found 61.7% of participants compared to 92.1% from this study claimed they would definitely not vape in the next 12 months. The focus group interviews consisted of eleven participants with results suggesting preventive interventions be used for sixth and seventh grades and focus on health and family. Conclusion: Data collected concluded the heightened awareness of health-related consequences to vaping and family disapproval which greatly impact their decision to vape. This population shows significantly less electronic cigarette use compared to national data collected, the data collected also considers the need for early, educational vaping interventions for preadolescents.