A Review of Interventions Centered on Young Adults Framed in the Socio-Ecological Model

Abstract

Background: Vaping or the use of an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) has continued to remain a public health threat in the U.S., primarily among youth and young adults. This scoping review focused on assessing the literature focused on the prevention or deterrence of e-cigarettes in the youth and young adult population.

Methods: This scoping review aimed to identify and describe effective interventions for college students to prevent vaping or aid in cessation. The search included the following databases: PubMed, CINALH, Embase, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and Web of Science as well as Google Scholar and the reference lists of relevant articles. Eligible articles had to fit the following inclusion criteria: focused on youth aged 18-25, published from 2000-present, published in the English language, and focused on e-cigarette interventions/programs/prevention strategies.

Results: After screening the titles and abstracts of the remaining 613 articles as well as full texts of any items needing further review, 63 total articles were deemed eligible. Of the 63 total articles, the majority used randomized controlled (no. = 18) and cross-sectional (no. = 12) study designs. Remaining study designs included qualitative, exploratory, experimental, multiple baseline design, longitudinal analysis, content analysis, scoping reviews, meta-analyses, and mixed methods.

Conclusions: This review summarizes the current evidence around prevention and cessation interventions for electronic vape products (EVPs) targeted at college students. Using the Socio-Ecological Model, the results can be analyzed on four different levels: individual, interpersonal, organizational/community, and society/policy.