Text Messaging for Vaping

This trial aims to determine if tailored text messages can help young adults change their vaping habits. The study will test whether messages from experts or peers, specifically designed for daily vapers or those at risk of starting, can influence behavior. Participants will receive either targeted vaping health messages or general messages about sun safety over six months. Young adults aged 18–24 who vape e-cigarettes and have a mobile phone are ideal candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to healthier lifestyle changes.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on e-cigarette use and text messaging, so it's best to ask the trial organizers for more details.

Research has shown that messages about preventing e-cigarette use can help reduce vaping among young people. One study found that when young people saw these messages, they tended to vape less. These messages explain the risks of vaping, such as addiction and health issues.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a unique approach to reducing vaping through tailored text messaging. Unlike traditional methods like counseling or nicotine replacement therapies, this trial leverages personalized e-cigarette education messages optimized for each individual's vaping status. This innovative method could provide a more accessible, scalable, and immediate way to reach individuals, potentially leading to more effective smoking cessation efforts. By personalizing the information and using a digital platform, this approach might engage participants more effectively than standard interventions.

This trial will compare the effectiveness of personalized text message programs on vaping behavior. Participants in the treatment arm will receive e-cigarette education messages tailored to their vaping status. Research has shown that such personalized text message programs can help young adults reduce vaping. One study found that interactive text messages designed to help people stop vaping were effective for teenagers. Another study demonstrated that messages aimed at preventing e-cigarette use could reduce both the desire to vape and actual vaping in young people. Additionally, educational messages about the dangers, addictiveness, and social aspects of vaping have been tested and show promise. Overall, these messages appear to change how young people think and act about e-cigarettes, suggesting they could effectively reduce vaping.⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹