Youth and Young Adult Perspectives on Augmented Reality-Driven Vaping Cessation Interventions: An Interpretive Description Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Vaping among youth and young adults (YYAs) has become a significant public health issue, with increasing prevalence and associated health risks. Despite awareness of these risks, many YYAs struggle to quit due to complex social pressures, stress, and a lack of tailored interventions. Digital tools, including augmented reality (AR), offer an opportunity to address these challenges by creating engaging, personalized support systems. OBJECTIVE What can be learned from YYA vapers who are currently in the process of quitting to inform mobile-based AR intervention designs? METHODS This qualitative study applied an Interpretive Description (ID) approach to explore YYA perspectives on vaping cessation and their preferences for digital intervention features. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who shared their experiences with vaping, quitting attempts, and ideas for AR-based support. Reflexive Thematic Analysis and ID were used to code the data and identify patterns, leading to the generation of themes that reflected the individualized and contextual nature of vaping cessation. RESULTS Findings revealed that vaping cessation is a deeply personal process influenced by internal motivations (e.g., health improvement, personal milestones) and external factors (e.g., social context). Participants identified AR as a promising tool for cessation, valuing features such as gamified rewards, health visualizations, and anonymous support. Gamification and progress tracking were seen as engaging and motivational, while health visualizations offered reinforcement of quitting benefits. However, participants emphasized the need for sensitive design to avoid negative or punitive content. Stress management and coping strategies were also highlighted as critical components of successful and sustainable cessation interventions. CONCLUSIONS This study provides actionable insights for designing YYA-centered digital health tools that leverage AR to support vaping cessation. By addressing the unique sociocultural and behavioural needs of YYAs, AR-based interventions can bridge gaps in traditional cessation strategies. These findings contribute to the development of innovative public health approaches aimed at reducing vaping prevalence in vulnerable populations.