JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital interventions have emerged as a promising approach to support vaping cessation, particularly among youth and young adults (YYAs). Mobile applications, text messaging programs, telehealth-delivered contingency management (CM), and web-based/social media interventions offer scalable and accessible alternatives to traditional cessation methods. However, there is considerable variation in how these interventions are designed, implemented, and evaluated, with inconsistencies in engagement strategies, theoretical frameworks, and long-term effectiveness.

Objective:

The aim of this scoping review was to map the current landscape of digital interventions for vaping cessation and identify key strategies, effectiveness outcomes, and implementation challenges. The following questions were addressed: (1) what types of digital interventions have been developed and/or evaluated for vaping cessation? (2) what evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of these digital interventions in promoting vaping cessation and user engagement? (3) what key barriers and facilitators influence the adoption, adherence, and success of digital vaping cessation interventions? and (4) what gaps remain in the literature, and what areas should future research prioritize to enhance the design and effectiveness of digital vaping cessation tools?

Methods:

This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and adhered to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Medline, and PsycINFO using search terms related to vaping cessation and digital health interventions. Studies examining mobile applications, text messaging programs, social media/web-based interventions, or telehealth coaching explicitly designed for vaping cessation were included. A narrative synthesis was conducted to identify common themes, barriers, and facilitators.

Results:

Sixteen studies evaluating various digital interventions were identified, including text messaging programs, mobile apps, telehealth-delivered CM, and web-based/social media interventions. Many interventions reported moderate to high abstinence rates and improvements in user engagement. Programs incorporating personalized messaging, behavioural tracking, and interactive features demonstrated greater retention and cessation success. However, challenges such as high attrition rates, inconsistent application of behaviour change frameworks (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy, transtheoretical model), and scalability limitations of CM approaches were noted. Additionally, accessibility barriers, including limited culturally tailored content and outreach to diverse populations, may hinder intervention reach.

Conclusions:

Digital interventions offer promising, scalable solutions for vaping cessation, particularly among YYAs. Effective interventions leverage personalization, social support, and evidence-based behaviour change frameworks to enhance engagement and quit outcomes. However, challenges such as high dropout rates, accessibility barriers, and limited use of rigorous evaluation methods persist. Future research should prioritize hybrid approaches integrating digital and human support, gamification, biochemical verification, and culturally tailored content to improve intervention reach, engagement, and long-term success. Addressing these gaps is crucial for optimizing digital tools for vaping cessation to reduce the public health burden of e-cigarette use.