Changes in quality of life and mental health outcomes related to vaping cessation among US adults.

Abstract

Objectives: Vaping cessation has important public health implications. This study seeks to assess longitudinal changes in quality of life and mental health associated with vaping cessation.

Methods: Data were drawn from the longitudinal wave 5 (December 2018-November 2019) and wave 6 (March 2021-November 2021) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 18 and older. The study sample included participants who reported exclusive use of e-cigarettes at baseline. The difference-in-difference models were performed to assess changes in self-reported quality of life and mental health outcomes between those who quit e-cigarettes and those who continued vaping at the follow-up, stratified by baseline internalising and externalising problems.

Results: Among 912 participants who reported exclusive e-cigarette use at baseline, 331 (33.4%) reported quitting e-cigarettes at the 2-year follow-up. Individuals with previous smoking history (vs no) had lower cessation rates (26.8% vs 42.5%, p<0.01), as did participants who reported daily e-cigarette use (vs someday use, 22.2% vs 54.4%, p<0.01). Vaping cessation was associated with a significant improvement in quality of life (adjusted b(SE)=0.22 (0.08), p=0.01) and mental health outcomes (adjusted b(SE)=0.27 (0.10), p=0.01). Participants with high/moderate internalising or externalising problems (vs low) had comparable vaping cessation rates and experienced improved quality of life and mental health after vaping cessation.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that vaping cessation is associated with improved quality of life and mental health. Future research should continue to explore long-term health outcomes and develop targeted interventions for vaping cessation.