A Qualitative Analysis Of Maori And Pacific People'S Experiences Of Using Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Ends)

Introduction: If electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are to bring public health benefits, members of population groups most affected by smoking must find them an easily adopted and satisfying replacement for smoking. We explored experiences of ENDS uptake and use among Maori and Pacific peoples living in New Zealand and probed factors that assisted transitions from smoking to vaping.Methods: We recruited 16 participants using whanaungatanga and community advertising. All were aged 18 or over, identified as Maori or Pacific (or both), had smoked at least 100 cigarettes, and were current ENDS users. We undertook in-depth interviews and analyzed the data using a thematic analysis approach.Results: We identified two key challenges that participants reported facing: their search for a satisfying ENDS experience and resisting social cues that could trigger relapse. Two supportive factors facilitated and reinforced smoking to vaping transitions: improved financial and physical well-being, and feeling connected to vaping communities.Conclusion: Learning about ENDS devices from those who had successfully switched from smoking to vaping provided much-needed information, reinforced the financial benefits of switching, and could inspire those making this transition to persist until they too become smoke free.