A scoping review of interventions to curb e-cigarette use among adolescents and young adults

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-25-2026

Publication Title

Journal of Public Health Germany

Abstract

Aim: The increasing use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults poses a growing public health concern, necessitating robust and multifaceted prevention strategies. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the types, efficacy, and sustainability of the interventions targeting the reduction of e-cigarette use among adolescents and young adults, with an emphasis on identifying both advancements and existing gaps in prevention efforts. Subject and methods: A comprehensive search of the Medline, Embase, and PubMed databases was conducted, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with a focus on literature published between 2015 and 2025. Results: After screening 7,138 articles and reviewing 318 full texts, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies identified a range of strategies, including media campaigns, digital and mobile platforms, and school-based programs, aimed at influencing youth knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to e-cigarettes. Reported outcomes included reductions in intentions to use, increased awareness of nicotine content, and improvements in harm perception and message relatability. Several studies noted dose–response patterns, suggesting greater impact with higher exposure. Culturally tailored interventions were less common but showed promise in reaching diverse populations. Conclusion: This review emphasizes the importance of evidence-based, multifaceted, and interactive approaches, particularly those leveraging digital media, school settings, campaigns, and culturally tailored messaging, in reducing e-cigarette use. Meaningful behavior change is reflected in increased awareness, changed attitudes, and a decrease in vaping intentions. Strengthening e-cigarette use prevention and supporting cessation among adolescents and young adults requires sustained investment in interactive tools, mobile-based resources and mass media campaigns.

Rights

Copyright © 2026, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature

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