The prevalence and predictors of vaping quit attempt among electronic cigarette users: findings from provincial version of Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2020 in Vietnam.

backgroundElectronic cigarette (e-cigarette) quit attempts among users have been a topic of increasing focus in high-income countries, but limited research exists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of e-cigarette quit attempts and investigate associated factors among e-cigarette users in a sample of 34 provinces in Vietnam.

methodsA country-specific provincial version of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey was conducted in 34 provinces of Vietnam in 2020 (n = 80,166). Among 557 current e-cigarette users (288 exclusive users and 269 dual users of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes) aged 15 years and above, sociodemographic characteristics, smoking-related variables, reasons for e-cigarette use, and motivations to quit e-cigarettes were assessed. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the relationships between these factors and e-cigarette quit attempts.

resultsAmong e-cigarette users, 46.1% had made a quit attempt within the past 12 months, with 50.0% among exclusive users and 41.8% among dual users of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes. Perceiving e-cigarette use as more harmful than smoking cigarettes was associated with a higher likelihood of making an e-cigarette cessation attempt. Notably, smokers who had previously been unsuccessful in quitting cigarette smoking using e-cigarettes had a higher likelihood of quitting e-cigarettes. Conversely, using e-cigarettes as an alternative tobacco product when unable to smoke cigarettes was associated with a lower likelihood of attempting to quit e-cigarettes. The most common reasons for wanting to quit e-cigarettes included perceiving e-cigarettes as more harmful than combustible cigarettes, their cost, and friends' or family members' disapproval of e-cigarettes.

conclusionThis study provides novel information on the prevalence and factors associated with e-cigarette quit attempts among e-cigarette users in Vietnam. The findings highlight the importance of harm perception, cost, and social influence in motivating individuals to quit e-cigarettes.