Pilot Study of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Cessation Methods.

Introduction:
This article presents the results of a pilot study on the effectiveness of three methods for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) cessation. The study measured cessation rates, motivational techniques that contributed to cessation success, and participants’ changes after decreasing vape use. The study randomized participants into three arms: nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) + behavioral support, vape-taper + behavioral support, and self-guided.

Key Points:
- The study enrolled 24 young adults who currently vape and were motivated to quit within two weeks.
- The NRT group received behavioral support and nicotine patches and/or gum or lozenges based on their personal preference.
- The vape-taper group used their own ENDS and e-juice and received a recommended nicotine vape-taper plan based on their current e-juice nicotine concentration and vaping habits.
- The self-guided group served as the control group and were asked to become vape-free and nicotine-free within 12 weeks without behavioral support.
- Participants in all groups were invited to attend nine in-person or phone appointments over the 6-month study period.
- at 12 weeks, 42.9% of participants in the NRT + behavioral support arm, 75% in the vape-taper + behavioral support arm, and 77.8% in the self-guided arm self-reported being vape-free and nicotine-free.
- at 6 months, 42.9% of participants in the NRT + behavioral support arm, 75% in the vape-taper + behavioral support arm, and 44.4% in the self-guided arm self-reported being vape-free and nicotine-free.
- Participants identified self-control and establishing new habits as the best methods to overcome the desire to vape.

Main Message:
The study suggests that participants who received behavioral support and a vape-taper plan from pharmacists were more likely to be vape-free and nicotine-free at 6 months. however, the study had a small sample size, and further research is needed to better elucidate behavioral support strategies and pharmacotherapy that offer the greatest efficacy. The study also highlights the need for additional education to change the perceptions and use of ENDS, especially among young adults.

Sahr M, Kelsh S, Blower N, Sohn M. Pilot Study of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Cessation Methods. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;9(1). doi:10.3390/pharmacy9010021